Guys, Kuzya’s not really dead. We promise.

Caps prospect Evgeny Kuznetsov started the season with an impressive stretch of nine goals and 21 points in his first 19 games. Since then, however, something wasn’t quite working for Kuzya who only added two goals and six points in his next 12 outings.

With that uncharacteristic stat-line (and news about his non-inclusion to the national team for the Moscow stage of EuroHockeyTour), the star right-wing faced adversity for one of the first times in his career. Heading into Traktor’s game against Spartak Moscow (featuring Shaone Morrisonn) Friday, Kuznetsov had something to prove.

And prove something he did. Kuznetsov scored two huge goals, collecting three points and 8 shots on goal in 19:53 of playing time. He also unveiled a new goal celebration.

Kuznetsov’s secondary assist is at the beginning of the video. His goals are at 1:05 and 2:30. And make sure to check out the celebrations.

After scoring his second goal of the game, Kuznetsov, like a dog begging for a treat, fell over and played dead. Really, Kuzya? The Caps prospect, who is now officially the Chad Johnson of the KHL, also shushed his adoring public after his breakaway goal in the second period.

Photo credit: Vitaly Gubin/HC Traktor