Young talent - particularly at the forward position - was a big reason why the Washington Capitals topped many pundits’ lists this pre-season.
It’s early, but Friday likely made those prognosticators feel pretty smart.
Evgeny Kuznetsov, in particular, emboldened many. He recorded his first career hat trick (see above) and added two assists for a five-point night in the Capitals 7-4 win against the Edmonton Oilers.
He now has 11 points in seven games.
You’d think the Capitals would be a little winded after winning a close game the night before (3-2 victory against Vancouver). Instead, they won an 11-goal contest in convincing fashion.
Washington now gets to rest until Wednesday, which may not be all that welcome with such a streak going.
They’ll need to settle for this stretch for now, which included ending Edmonton’s winning streak at three games.