The Columbus Blue Jackets taunted the Washington Capitals with their own celebration after Artemi Panarin scored the game-winning goal in overtime.
The Blue Jackets were responding to Kuznetsov who did his signature celly after scoring the game-tying goal with 1:04 remaining in the third period.
Here’s another look.
Pierre-Luc Dubois, wearing number 18, and Seth Jones, wearing number 3, were the two main culprits during the Blue Jackets’ goal celebration, getting several teammates to join in.
“That’s fine, you know,” Kuznetsov said after the game. “It’s nice to get some people to think about me. Same as like in April last series.”
“I didn’t see it, but I’m assuming that’s a little bitter,” Tom Wilson said. “I’ll leave it at that. I think they can remember what happened and we can remember what happened. It’s a rivalry now. If someone knocks you out, you’re not happy about it. We’re going to keep going and I’m sure there will be a few more down the road where you’ll see some animosity.”
The drama all started late in the third period after a mostly sleepy game.
Blue Jackets forward Cam Atkinson scored one minute into the first period on a breakaway. The Columbus Blue Jackets would hold on to that 1-0 lead for 57 minutes and 6 seconds until Kuznetsov tied the game as the Capitals had an extra attacker.
Slapping a one one-timer from the point, Kuznetsov found Joonas Korpisalo’s seven-hole to tie the game at 1. It was Kuzy’s first goal in 17 games.
The birdman then flapped his wings with his customary celly.
As the two teams paused for overtime, Kuznetsov then flapped another part of his body, his gums, to Blue Jackets goaltender Joonas Korpisalo as the goaltender switched goals. The ribbing appeared to be in a good-natured fashion as Korpisalo can be seen smiling.
Later in the extra session, Panarin scored on the powerplay, triggering the mocking celebration.
Earlier in the year, Marc-Andre Fleury did the bird celebration too after the Vegas Golden Knights beat the Capitals at Capital One Arena.
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