Making the case to vote Evgeny Kuznetsov into the NHL All Star Game

Alex Ovechkin got voted into the All Star Game but he might not be the only one representing the Washington Capitals at this year’s festivities in Las Vegas. If we vote enough, we could get Evgeny Kuznetsov into the All Star Game as well and the top line center deserves it.

After a horrible season where he posted just nine goals and 20 assists for 29 points, ended up on the COVID list twice, was in hot water with the head coach, and then the subject of trade rumors throughout the summer, Kuznetsov has bounced back nicely.

Through 34 games this season he already has 12 goals and 23 assists for 35 points. He also has a plus minus of +10, just 16 penalty minutes, two power play goals and two while shorthanded with eight on even strength. He averages 21:47 minutes of ice time.

Kuznetsov has good advanced stats too. He’s got a Corsi For percentage of 50.76 percent, an Expected Goals For percentage of 50.20 percent and a Scoring Chances For of 49.42 percent. Look for him on the top line today with Alex Ovechkin and T.J. Oshie. Their Corsi For percentage as a line is a nice 69.77 percent, Expected Goals For is 72.87 percent while High Danger Chances For percentage is at 85.71 percent. Numbers via Natural Stat Trick.

Fans need to vote Kuzy for last man in. He’ll be up against Andrei Svechnikov of the Carolina Hurricanes, Jakub Voracek of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Jesper Bratt of the New Jersey Devils, Mathew Barzal of the New York Islanders, Mika Zibanejad of the New York Rangers, Cam Atkinson of the Philadelphia Flyers, and Jake Guentzel of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Kuznetsov’s fast start to the season has catapulted him as the Caps second leading point scoring and has averaged over a point per game midway through January. He’s got 35 points in 34 games and his 12 goals has him second on the team in goal scoring behind the All Star and Great Eight himself Alex Ovechkin.

If the fans do their part and vote Kuzy in, he will be selected to his second All Star Game after participating in the 2016 game in Nashville which was the introduction to the divisional three on three tournament format.

Fans have until Monday Jan. 17 to cast their votes on WashCaps.com/VoteKuzy. Let’s all do our part and get the bird man to Las Vegas!