Capitals Second Line Gels, Creates Instant Chemistry

Evgeny Kuznetsov helped force the turnover near the Capitals net early in the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets Saturday night, extending his stick to deflect the puck away from the zone. Jakub Vrana gained possession and slid it to Brett Connolly as they rushed down the other end for a two-on-one.

Connolly kept it, deking Blue Jackets goalie Sergei Bobrovsky to finish the play and give the Capitals a quick 1-0 lead. In the game Washington would win 4-0, the opening goal featured a key part of the team's recent success.
Saturday night, the line accounted for three points. But that was just the latest outing. Since the 5-2 win in Minnesota on Nov. 13, the first of a four-game road trip that commenced the Capitals current 10-3-0 stretch, the two forwards have thrived.
"They've had some nice chemistry," head coach Todd Reirden said. "Obviously, a large part of that goes to Kuznetsov - he makes the line go. But a lot of credit to his two wingers, as well."
Vrana has 11 points in 13 games (5g, 6a), after recording seven through the first 16 of the season (4g, 3a). Connolly has nine (3g, 6a) in that span, with one more assist (13) than he had all last year.

Reirden said Connolly is taking advantage of his extended ice time as he's skated nearly three more minutes per game than he did through the same number of games (29) last year. As for Kuznetsov, Reirden said, the Capitals gifted center has brought the line together.
After an injury in Winnipeg sidelined him for six games, Kuznetsov has surged back with six points (1g, 5a) in the last five games while facilitating plays for his wingers.
"(Kuznetsov) does a really good job at working with a guy like Vrana, trying to help him improve his game and utilize his speed by putting pucks to areas, running certain faceoff plays," Reirden said. "[He sees] different things that could be available for [Vrana]. They've been a great tandem."
Vrana adds tremendous speed, teammates said, which complements Connolly's versatility and Kuznetsov's ability to create opportunities. They can all skate and score. But it takes more than skill and talent for a line to gel.

"Communication is big," Connolly said. "I think you need to talk to each other and you have to play together as well. I played in the beginning of the year with Kuzy, so I kind of picked up on his tendencies. And then I think momentum [is also important]. When you have one good game, then another one and then a third one - you just try to keep that rolling for as long as you can."
Added Kuznetsov: "The more time you spend together on the ice, the more situations you face in a game, that's how you get better."
Reirden said he expects to stick with the same line on Tuesday against the Detroit Red Wings.