WASHINGTON -- For nearly four years, Washington Capitals fans have watched video clips of Evgeny Kuznetsov playing in Russia and

WASHINGTON -- For nearly four years, Washington Capitals fans have watched video clips of Evgeny Kuznetsov playing in Russia and imagined what he could do in the NHL. Brandon Bollig Jersey . On Friday night, Kuznetsov began compiling the North American version of his greatest hits -- posting three assists for his first NHL points in the Capitals 4-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks. Kuznetsov assisted during a power play as countryman Alex Ovechkin finished with a slap shot for his NHL-leading 45th goal. Less than five minutes later, Kuznetsov faked a slap shot from the wing and fed the puck to Tom Wilson for his third goal. In the third period, Kuznetsov started a sequence that led to Mike Green putting the Capitals ahead for good with 9:41 left. Green scored with a slap shot off a feed from Nicklas Backstrom from behind the net. "(Kuznetsov) did a great job battling down the corner and keeping control of the puck," said Green, who scored his ninth goal. "He made a great play to Nicky, and I noticed when Nicky was wheeling the net that he saw me before he even looked up." It was the third NHL game for Kuznetsov, the Capitals first-round pick in the 2010 draft. He signed with Washington last week after five years in Russias Kontinental Hockey League. "You get your first point on the power play, which is kind of an easy point, but it still counts," Washington coach Adam Oates said. "You get your juices going. Great play on the second goal, and then protecting the puck on a cycle (on the third goal), which is kind of something you dont necessarily expect." Kuznetsov played on Washingtons fourth line with fellow rookie Wilson and Jay Beagle, who contributed an assist. "He is such a creative player and a lot of fun to play with," Wilson said. "The first couple of games he wasnt sure, and hes really finding his groove. Hopefully we can have some chemistry for years to come." Kuznetsovs performance helped the Capitals forget the 12th time this season theyve blown a two-goal advantage. Washington led 3-1 early in the third period before Shawn Matthias and Nicklas Jensen scored for Vancouver to tie it. The goal by Jensen, a rookie playing in his sixth game, was the first of his NHL career. "I just felt we were just going to keep on coming," Vancouver coach John Tortorella said. "Theyve given up some leads here. We got that third one, I thought we were just going to take off. We had some chances." Vancouver outshot Washington 41-21, but the Capitals killed all seven Canucks power plays. Jaroslav Halak made 38 saves in his fourth start with the Capitals. "He had a fantastic night," Oates said. "We left him hanging." Jordan Schroeder scored Vancouvers first goal, and Chris Higgins and Christopher Tanev both had two assists. Eddie Lack stopped 17 shots as Vancouver fell to 3-12-1 in its last 16 games. "Its frustrating. I thought we played really well all game," Matthias said. "To tie it up there and let that happen, its upsetting." The night got off to a difficult start for the Canucks, whose bus broke down. Players then took cabs to the arena. Joel Ward opened the scoring for Washington, but the second period belonged to Kuznetsov. "Hes sort of got that young mentality where you know youre not afraid to make a play and do these things that youre capable of," Green said. "Hes going to be a great player." NOTES: The Canucks learned on Friday they will be without C Ryan Kesler for two weeks. Kesler, who leads the team with 22 goals, injured his knee in a 3-2 shootout victory on Wednesday over Winnipeg. ... The International Olympic Committee ruled that Backstrom wasnt at fault for his positive drug test before the gold-medal game at the Olympics, in which he didnt play, and he will receive the silver medal he earned with Sweden. Justin Braun Jersey . Pretty good hitting, too. Dan Haren pitched six innings and sparked the go-ahead rally with a single, leading Los Angeles to another win over the skidding Atlanta Braves, 4-2 on Tuesday night. Melker Karlsson Jersey . - Novak Djokovic beat John Isner 7-5, 6-7 (2), 6-1 on Saturday to reach the final of the BNP Paribas Open, where hell resume his longtime rivalry with Roger Federer. http://www.officialsharksnhlshop.com/paul-martin-jersey/ . They named Mark Washington as their defensive co-ordinator on Thursday and appear to be closing in on an offensive co-ordinator.ATLANTA - The Hawks needed a little time — and a strong halftime push from coach Mike Budenholzer — to forget about a tough loss the previous night and focus on the Knicks.Kyle Korver scored 27 points and Atlanta overcame a strong start by Carmelo Anthony and New York to win 103-96 on Saturday night.The Knicks were handed their fourth straight loss.Jeff Teague had 19 points for Atlanta, which recovered after losing back-to-back road games at San Antonio and Charlotte by a combined five points. Korver said it wasnt easy to block out Friday nights 122-119 double-overtime loss to Charlotte.We made a little adjustment, but most of it was we lost in double-overtime last night and we came out a little sluggish, said Korver, who added that Budenholzer really challenged us at halftime, and guys responded.Anthony led New York with 20 points, including 14 in the first quarter. Iman Shumpert had 19.Anthony shot 6 of 10 from the field in the first period and 2 for 10 the rest of the game.I felt great. Coming into the game, I felt good, Anthony said. I felt good in the first quarter. I just kind of cooled down from there. I cant put a finger on exactly what happened from there.The Knicks led 61-48 at halftime before the Hawks rallied to take the lead with the final basket of the third period.I think we got over being tired and started playing, Teague said. Our feet were in sand at the beginning of the game.After several lead changes in the fourth, the Hawks took a 94-88 advantage with seven straight points, including a 3-pointer by Korver and two baskets by Teague.With Anthony leading the way, the Knicks led 32-20 after the first period. New York stretched it to 61-48 at halftime even though Anthony didnt score in the second quarter.Budenholzer said before the game he hoped improved depth would give Atlanta an advantage when playing on consecutive nights. The Hawks and Knicks travelled following losses to Charlotte and Brooklyn, respectively, on Friday night.With the Knicks down to 12 players, Atlantas deep beench showed in the second half. Aaron Dell Jersey. The Hawks outscored the Knicks 27-13 in the third quarter.I think they upped their energy a bit, New York coach Derek Fisher said. I think they felt like they got pushed around in the first half.The Hawks went up 5-3 and didnt lead again until a fast-break drive by Thabo Sefolosha gave Atlanta a 75-74 edge to close the third quarter.Tim Hardaway Jr. had 15 points and Amare Stoudemire scored 14 for the Knicks, who are still adjusting to the triangle offence.The lack of confidence we have as a team, its affecting both ends of the court, Anthony said.Fisher blamed the Knicks offensive letdown on just not being able to get the ball moving as much in the second half.DeMarre Carroll scored 12 points and Paul Millsap had 11 points with 13 rebounds for Atlanta. Millsap drew the primary defensive assignment on Anthony, but had help from Sefolosha and Carroll.___TIP-INSKnicks: Shumpert, who fouled out with 43 seconds remaining, was back at small forward after starting at point guard in Friday nights loss to the Nets. Shane Larkin, who came off the bench against the Nets, started at point guard and had nine points.Hawks: Second-year guard Dennis Schroeders role continues to grow. He had 11 points and five steals in 20 minutes. Instead of seeing minutes only behind Teague, Schroeder played much of the second quarter with the starting point guard.UP NEXTKnicks: Host Hawks on Monday night.Hawks: Play at Knicks on Monday night.GUARDS DOWNThe Knicks again were without point guards Jose Calderon (strained right calf) and Pablo Prigioni (sprained right ankle). Prigioni, who did not travel, missed his second straight game, and Calderon hasnt played this season.We still have 12 guys who are NBA players, Fisher said. We just have to figure it out.FOUL PLAYThe Knicks were called for 29 fouls — 12 more than the Hawks. We couldnt figure out a way to defend without fouling, Fisher said. The imbalance helped Atlanta outscore New York 28-8 from the free throw line. 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