Kuznetsov leads Capitals’ easy win

Associated Press

EDMONTON, Alberta

Evgeny Kuznetsov and the Washington Capitals had a lot of fun — at the Edmonton Oilers’ expense.

Kuznetsov had three goals for his first NHL hat trick and added two assists to help the Capitals beat the Oilers 7-4 on Friday night for their fifth straight victory.

Kuznetsov opened the scoring on a backhander at 3:05 of the first period, gave Washington a 4-3 lead with another backhander at 6:17 of the second, and capped the scoring with a snap shot on a power play with 3:01 left in the third period.

“It feels unbelievable,” Kuznetsov. “It’s thanks to my linemates. But the team game is more important to me. I’m just happy with how we are doing right now.”

The 23-year-old Russian had no goals and six assists in his first six games of the season.

Backstrom, Marcus Johansson, Andre Burakovsky and Justin Williams also scored for Washington, and Philipp Grubauer made 19 saves in his first start of the season. Playing their third game in four nights, the Capitals improved to 6-1-0.