Kuznetsov confirms COVID diagnosis; gives great response when asked if he was scared

When four Russian members of the Washington Capitals were forced to enter COVID protocol three weeks ago, it was later announced that one of them, Ilya Samsonov, had tested positive to COVID-19. Evgeny Kuznetsov, Dmitry Orlov, and Alexander Ovechkin were placed in protocol because all four had been hanging out in a hotel room without masks, despite rules from the league against that. Now, Kuznetsov confirms he also tested positive for the novel Corona virus.

Kuznetsov told reporters Monday that he's feeling better now after returning to practice for the first time since January 19th, along with Samsonov. Asked if he was scared because of the diagnosis, Kuznetsov had a great answer.

"No, I'm from Russia," said Kuznetsov. "You can't scare me."

Asked if he might play Tuesday night, Kuznetsov wasn't sure.

"We're day-to-day, you know, and it's all about how I'm gonna feel (Tuesday)," he said after an on-ice session. "I'm just happy I'm alive today, and (to) be able to practice with the team is just a big step for me."

Samsonov confirms he was pretty sick and had trouble walking and breathing for a few days. He told reporters via an interpreter that he's also feeling better and is much more comfortable now.

Ovechkin and Orlov returned to the lineup Jan. 30 and Feb. 1, respectively.

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