Capitals' Kuznetsov out vs. Flyers, considered day-to-day

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Washington Capitals say centre Evgeny Kuznetsov is day-to-day with an upper body injury and won't play Sunday at the Philadelphia Flyers.

Kuznetsov was slashed in the left wrist/arm by New York Islanders defenceman Thomas Hickey and crashed into the boards in the same place Friday night in the Capitals' 5-1 victory Friday night. Kuznetsov left the game and did not return.

Coach Barry Trotz said after the game he didn't have an update, adding Kuznetsov would be evaluated Saturday. The Capitals had the day off after back-to-back games and will not hold a morning skate before facing Philadelphia.

Kuznetsov leads the Capitals with 50 assists and is second with 21 goals and 71 points behind fellow Russian star Alex Ovechkin. Chandler Stephenson is expected to replace Kuznetsov against the Flyers and would be Washington's fourth-line centre in the coming weeks if the 25-year-old is out for any length of time.

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The Associated Press