Kuznetsov Coins New Nickname For Carlson After Move To Bumper Spot

With T.J. Oshie out, the Washington Capitals gave their power play a new look on Thursday against the Ottawa Senators, experimenting with John Carlson at the forward position while Erik Gustafsson took on a role at the point. The role surprised some, and also immediately impressed Evgeny Kuznetsov, to the point where he coined a new nickname for No. 74.

Postgame, Kuznetsov referred to Carlson as "Johnny Diamond" and praised his move to Oshie's bumper spot on the man advantage, which went 1-for-4 in a big 3-2 overtime win over the Senators.

"Definitely we improve our game. In terms of the power play, the Johnny Diamond over there give us different look," Kuznetsov told reporters after the victory.

Kuznetsov added that having a right-hand shot there also made an impact and made the unit more dangerous. The diamond part of the moniker refers to Carlson's move up in the formation.

“It’s pretty amazing see how right-handed player makes such a big difference in that position. all I wanted to see him to score from there, because it’s rare to see the D play in the diamond. It's a pretty special to see.”

When asked who came up with "Johnny Diamond," Kuznetsov said it was Peter Laviolette — who flat-out denied it postgame.

"Listen, don’t listen to Kuzy," he laughed. "I didn’t coin anything. He probably coined it.”