Kuznetsov not yet cleared to play, 'probably' a game-time decision

LAS VEGAS, NV - MAY 30: Washington Capitals Center Evgeny Kuznetsov (92) shows off his puck handling skills while warming up prior to game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Washington Capitals and the Las Vegas Golden Knights on May 30, 2018 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV.
Icon Sportswire / Getty

Barry Trotz isn't tipping his hand as much as his captain may have about Evgeny Kuznetsov's status for Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final on Saturday night.

The Washington Capitals head coach wouldn't go as far as Alex Ovechkin, who declared after Friday's practice that he was "pretty sure" Kuznetsov would play.

Kuznetsov did take part in Friday's optional on-ice session.

The Capitals' first-line center suffered what the club would only call an "upper-body injury" on a big hit by Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb in Wednesday's Game 2.

Kuznetsov leads all skaters in these playoffs with 25 points.

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