Kuznetsov (not injury related) has been cleared to play, but his availability for Wednesday's Game 3 has yet to be determined, JJ Regan of NBC Sports Washington reports.

EDGE Analysis

Head coach Peter Laviolette notes that it's merely a matter of conditioning that stands in the way of Kuznetsov's return to the lineup. The 29-year-old has not played since May 1 and with Lars Eller (lower body) nicked up in Monday's 4-3 overtime loss in Game 2, the Capitals desperately need another offensive heavyweight at their disposal -- especially at the center position. Check back for updates prior to Wednesday's puck drop, but it does not appear as though the 26th overall pick from the 2010 NHL Entry Draft will need to wait much longer to return to action.

Kuznetsov (not injury related) will travel with the team for Wednesday's Game 3 in Boston, JJ Regan of NBC Sports Washington reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kuznetsov has been skating with the team since Sunday, so there's a chance he'll be ready to play in Game 3 after missing the first two matches of the series due to the NHL's COVID-19 protocols. The 28-year-old pivot picked up 29 points through 41 contests during the regular season.

Kuznetsov (COVID-19) will not be in Monday's Game 2 lineup against the Bruins, Samantha Pell of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

As expected, Kuznetsov is still unavailable and hasn't played since May 1. The 28-year-old forward was back at practice Sunday, so there's a good chance that he'll be ready to go for Game 3 on Wednesday. He scored 29 points with a plus-7 rating in 41 games this season.

Kuznetsov (COVID-19 protocols) was on the ice ahead of the team's optional practice Sunday, Tom Gulitti of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Per head coach Peter Laviolette, Kuznetsov remains "not available for a few more days" but is allowed to work out with the team per league rules. That would suggest the Russian center won't play Game 2 on Monday against Boston, but further clarification should be provided on that front closer to puck drop.

Kuznetsov (COVID-19 protocols) didn't participate in Saturday's morning skate and will miss Game 1 against the Bruins, Samantha Pell of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kusznetsov and goalie Ilya Samsonov remain in the protocols and will both miss Washington's postseason opener as a result. They'll hope to clear the protocols in time for Monday's Game 2. Lars Eller is expected to center the second line in Kuznetsov's absence, though T.J. Oshie (lower body) is also an option to slide over from the wing if he suits up.

Kuznetsov (COVID-19 protocols) did not participate in Friday's optional skate, Samantha Pell of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kuznetsov and Ilya Samsonov (COVID-19 protocols) have now been away from the Capitals for 11 days. It's unclear if the 28--year-old will be in the lineup for Game 1 versus Boston on Saturday and no timetable for his return has been established.

Kuznetsov (COVID-19 protocols) will not be in the lineup against the Bruins on Tuesday, JJ Regan of NBC Sports Washington reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kuznetsov will miss his fifth straight game after being placed in the league's COVID-19 protocol. Prior to his absence, the 28-year-old center was rolling with eight points in his previous seven contests, including a trio of power-play assists. The team hasn't provided an update on Kuznetsov's timeline, so it's unclear if he will be ready for the start of the postseason, but if he does play, it will almost certainly be in a first-line role with Alex Ovechkin, making him an elite fantasy target.

Kuznetsov (COVID-19 protocols) will not play Friday against the Flyers, JJ Regan of NBC Sports Washington reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kuznetsov and teammate Ilya Samsonov were scratched before Monday's win against the Rangers and will remain in the COVID-19 protocols through Friday's meeting with the Flyers. Check back for further updates prior to puck drop Saturday regarding the 28-year-old center's availability for Washington's penultimate match of the regular season.

Kuznetsov (COVID-19 protocols) won't play Wednesday versus the Rangers, Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kuznetsov was scratched Monday due to a coach's decision after being late to a team meeting. He then entered the NHL's COVID-19 protocols Tuesday, so at this point there's no telling when he might be given the green light to return. The Capitals only have three regular-season games remaining following Wednesday's contest, so time is of the essence for Kuznetsov. The 28-year-old forward has tallied 29 points in 41 games this campaign.

Kuznetsov is on the COVID-19 protocol list Tuesday, Tom Gulitti of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kuznetsov didn't dress for Monday's game against the Rangers due to a coach's decision that reportedly had to do with his being late to a team meeting. It's unclear if his placement in the protocol is related, or if he'll be able to play Wednesday against the Rangers. More information on his status should become available in the next day.