Evgeny Kuznetsov and Ilya Samsonov pulled from Caps lineup for disciplinary reasons

For the second time this season, goaltender Ilya Samsonov and forward Evgeny Kuznetsov have been scratched by the Washington Capitals for disciplinary reasons.

Perhaps you'll recall earlier this season when the two Russians were caught breaking COVID-19 protocol along with fellow Russian players Alexander Ovechkin and Dmitri Orlov, resulting in a bit of a COVID-19 outbreak in Washington shortly thereafter.

This time, the issue isn't as serious and doesn't have the same safety implications, however. This time around, the disciplinary action is being taken due to Kuznetsov and Samsonov being late for a team function, per The Washington Post's Samantha Pell.

As we inch closer toward the postseason, I would imagine that the Caps will be looking to minimize these types of occurrences. The team has to come first if the Caps hope to get back to the promised land.


One interesting thing to note is that Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman suggested on Monday's edition of Hockey Central that the Caps' patience may be wearing thin on Evgeny Kuznetsov and his persistent issues off the ice. So, that's certainly something to keep an eye on moving forward. The Caps are not shy about making high-profile moves, as they have exhibited as recently as the trade deadline on April 12th, when they dealt sniper Jakub Vrana to the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for winger Anthony Mantha.