ARLINGTON, Va. — Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov was named the NHL’s First Star of the Week, the league announced Monday.
Kuznetsov led the NHL with six assists and nine points in three games last week, helping the Capitals to a perfect 3-0-0 Western Canadian road trip.
“He’s come out and he has tons of confidence from last year,” said head coach Barry Trotz. “I think he’s comfortable with what we’re doing as a team, he’s comfortable with his linemates and he’s comfortable with the transition to the North American game. He knows how to play his style of game in a North American arena.”
Kuznetsov capped off his week with his first career hat-trick and a career-high five points in Friday’s 7-4 win against the Edmonton Oilers.
The 23-year-old became the first Capitals player to record five points in a single game since Nicklas Backstrom (one goal and four assists) on Dec. 10, 2013.
For the season, Kuznetsov leads Washington with eight assists and 11 points in seven games.
The Capitals have won five straight and boast an overall record of 6-1-0. They host the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday from Verizon Center.
