Evgeny Kuznetsov strengthens case for Conn Smythe with big Game 4

Evgeny Kuznetsov had yet another big game in the Stanley Cup playoffs for the Washington Capitals, which has him well positioned to win the Conn Smythe Trophy.

Kuznetsov assisted on four of the Capitals’ six goals in a 6-2 Game 4 win over the Vegas Golden Knights on Monday night. He assisted on the team’s first two, fourth and sixth goals of the game.

The 26-year-old center now has 31 points — 12 goals and 19 assists — in 23 games this postseason. What’s even more impressive is how well he has played since exiting Game 2 with an upper body injury after taking a big hit. He returned for Game 3 with a goal and assist, and then he had the big Game 4 to put his Caps up 3-1 in the series.

With the exception of the game where he left due to injury, Kuznetsov has recorded a point in every one of the Caps’ playoff games since Game 4 against Pittsburgh. He’s a +11 for the postseason.

Braden Holtby has been money, while Alex Ovechkin, TJ Oshie and Nicklas Backstrom have also been tremendous, but Kuznetsov has consistently contributed game in and game out throughout the postseason.