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After winning 2C audition, Kuznetsov aiming to ‘play better’

Washington Capitals v Philadelphia Flyers

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 22: Evgeny Kuznetsov #92 of the Washington Capitals skates against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center on September 22, 2014 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Flyers defeated the Capitals 5-4. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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Less than a year ago, the Washington Capitals had no idea who would be their second-line center.

They know now.

It’s Evgeny Kuznetsov, the talented 23-year-old Russian who just signed a two-year extension with the club.

“I played good hockey but I have to play better,” Kuznetsov said, per CSN Washington. “I’ll try to focus on my game and what the coach tells me. If everybody does the right job probably something good will happen.”

Next season, the Caps could have a first line comprised of Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom and T.J. Oshie, and a second line featuring Kuznetsov between Andre Burakovsky and Justin Williams.

"[Kuznetsov] filled a hole at second-line center that we’ve been trying to fill for a number of years,” Caps general manager Brian MacLellan said in May.

With a defense headlined by John Carlson and Matt Niskanen, and with Braden Holtby in goal, you’ll excuse Caps fans for finding it difficult to contain their excitement.

Related: Caps landing ‘affordable’ Williams a sign of the new free agency