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

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 not medically cleared yet so he did not speak this morning. Trotz said he's still day to day and "probably a game-time decision" for Game 3

- Kyle Bukauskas (@SNkylebukauskas) June 1, 2018

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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