Kuznetsov helping power Ovechkin's career-best start

Alex Ovechkin is still red-hot, and even though Evgeny Kuznetsov didn't help him score Friday night, the younger Washington Capitals forward deserves some credit for aiding the captain's explosion out of the gate.

Ovechkin notched his ninth goal of the season in a 5-2 win over the New Jersey Devils, continuing the best start of his career through five games, while Kuznetsov made some history of his own.

The 25-year-old picked up two assists in the win, becoming the first player in Capitals history to notch 10 helpers through the club's first five contests.

While he's certainly benefited from playing alongside Ovechkin on both the top line and top power-play unit, Kuznetsov is a major reason for his countryman's rejuvenation.

The less experienced Russian star has assisted on seven of Ovechkin's nine goals, and six of those helpers were of the primary variety.

While all of those connections came in the Capitals' first two games, Kuznetsov is proving both that he can produce regardless of his linemate, and, more importantly, that he has undeniable chemistry with Ovechkin that should ensure head coach Barry Trotz keeps the two together.

Kuznetsov put up a respectable 59 points while appearing in every regular-season game last season, but that output was mildly disappointing after the 77-point campaign he authored in 2015-16.

It's way too early to project he'll pile up 164 assists based on his two-per-game pace, but Kuznetov's early production is encouraging, particularly considering how well he's clicked with Washington's best and brightest star.

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