NHL Buzz: Kuznetsov returns for Capitals against Bruins

Welcome to the NHL Buzz. Throughout the 2020-21 season, NHL.com will have you covered with the latest news.

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Washington Capitals

Evgeny Kuznetsov returned to the lineup against the Boston Bruins on Wednesday (NBCSN) after missing two games with an upper-body injury.
The forward was a late scratch prior to a 5-2 win at the New Jersey Devils on Saturday and did not play in a 3-2 win against the Devils on Sunday.
Kuznetsov, who had scored six points (two goals, four assists) in 11 games this season, was expected to center the top line with Alex Ovechkin and Conor Sheary.
Kuznetsov missed eight games while in NHL COVID-19 protocol from Jan. 20- Feb. 8. He scored three points (one goal, two assists) in seven games since returning.
"I think [Kuznetsov] will be fine," Washington coach Peter Laviolette said. "I think he understands. I think we've just got to get him back going and get him in the lineup and playing his game and playing our game." -- Tom Gulitti

Nashville Predators

Juuse Saros is day to day with a upper-body injury.
The goalie left in the first period of a 4-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday after allowing two goals on 10 shots.
Saros is 5-5-0 with a 3.10 goals-against average and .895 save percentage in 13 games this season.
Pekka Rinne likely will start for the Predators when they host the Florida Panthers on Thursday (8 p.m. ET; FS-TN, FS-F, NHL.TV).

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Boston Bruins

Jarred Tinordi made his Bruins debut against the Washington Capitals (NBCSN).
The defenseman was claimed on waivers from the Nashville Predators on Saturday. Tinordi (6-foot-6, 205 pounds), who did not have a point in seven games with Nashville, was paired with Connor Clifton at the morning skate.
Tinordi, who last played Feb. 18, drove to Boston from Nashville after he was claimed.
"I wanted to make sure he was in a good place in terms of his travel here, getting enough reps, felt comfortable," Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy said. "He wants to get in, so that's what we're going to do."
Forward David Krejci (upper body) and defenseman Matt Grzelcyk (lower body) returned to the lineup. Krejci, who last played Feb. 18, said he was "really excited to play tonight." Grzelcyk last played Feb. 10. -- Amalie Benjamin