Evgeny Kuznetsov really appreciated T.J. Oshie’s Game 5 fight with Brayden Schenn

Capitals forward T.J. Oshie fought Flyers forward Brayden Schenn during Game 5 in defense of teammate Evgeny Kuznetsov. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov pounded his heart with his hand and looked across the team’s Kettler Capitals Iceplex locker room at the empty stall usually occupied by teammate T.J. Oshie. Asked about Oshie’s fight with Flyers forward Brayden Schenn 10 seconds into the Capitals’ 2-0 loss to Philadelphia in Game 5, Washington’s emerging young center made sure the gesture didn’t go unnoticed.

“I had no idea about that before the game and then when I saw that I feel unbelievable, like somebody behind you,” Kuznetsov said Saturday after the Capitals held an optional skate at their Arlington practice facility. “I really appreciate it.”

Oshie’s decision to drop gloves with Schenn off the opening faceoff was a measure of retaliation after Schenn cross-checked the back of Kuznetsov’s knee after the whistle during Game 4 of this Eastern Conference quarterfinals series. Schenn expressed remorse about the situation before Game 5, calling it “a pretty dumb play by me.”

But with Schenn frequently in the middle of the fray in recent games, the Capitals felt compelled to send a message on behalf of Kuznetsov.

“Had to be done,” said Oshie, who had only been in four previous fights during his eight-year NHL career.

“I talked with Osh about that after the game and said lots of good words,” Kuznetsov said. “I just want to say thanks. … It sets the tone. Let’s not worry about that slash [cross-check] forever. It’s history. We just have to focus on next game.”

Kuznetsov nonetheless left Verizon Center disappointed Friday after the Capitals were shut out in front of their home fans and talked Saturday about his second line needing to generate more traffic in front of Flyers goalie Michal Neuvirth. The jolt of energy Washington got from Oshie’s fight, he noted, must be sustained throughout Game 6 now that its 3-0 series lead has been whittled down to 3-2.

“It’s a positive when you start with a fight that sets the tone and building gets loud,” Kuznetsov said. “But … we have to score the goals and have the whole game in our hands.