Dmitry Orlov Opens Up on the Poor Relationship Between Evgeny Kuznetsov and Peter Laviolette in Washington
PUBLICATION
Tom Banks
December 17, 2024 (9:12 PM)
The Washington Capitals could have been a dynasty, but according to Dmitry Orlov, the hiring of Peter Laviolette had a poor effect on Evgeny Kuzentsov and the team.
After the iconic 2018 Stanley Cup win in Washington, things didn't go perfectly for the Capitals, with the team going downhill after the hiring of Peter Laviolette as Head Coach, or at least that's how veteran Evgeny Kuznetsov saw things play out.
'You brought a coach who almost didn't fit our style, we had to rebuild.' Such moments as it were. 'You paid me this money for something, right?' I say, 'For what I did well.' And now [he] arrived, they tell me: 'Listen, you don't need to do this - throw the puck into the zone, run, and [screen] the goalie.'
Now, longtime teammate Dmitry Orlov has been interviewed about the situation, and much like Kuznetsov, he seemingly blames Laviolette for the way things were handled, who called out Laviolette as the reason why Kuzy lost his joy and passion for hockey at the end in Washington.
«But I think the relationship with the coach had an effect. When he trusts you, you see it, and it's very important. But when something worries you and you withdraw into yourself, close yourself off, dig into yourself - it starts to bother you. Especially for such an open guy as Zhenya.»
The two would be reunited two years later with the Carolina Hurricanes, with Orlov noting that his joy was seemingly back.
That's why I was glad to see him smile in Carolina. He had a tough season, which, in general, didn't work out. But he came to the Hurricanes with new strength, emotions, and focus.
Kuzentsov would take his talents home to Russia and the KHL this past off-season, where he has found great success on a star studded roster.
One however has to wonder how good that Capitals team could have been if they got the Head Coaching hire right, but for now, it appears both players are happy in their new roles while Laviolette deals with the potential downfall of the New York Rangers.
| POLL |
Do you believe the Capitals win more than one Stanley Cup if they don't hire Peter Laviolette? |
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