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The bird returns: Evgeny Kuznetsov scores twice, including splitting three Avalanche players on breakaway

By Ian Oland

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October 19, 2021 8:10 pm

Evgeny Kuznetsov has finally found pay-dirt after starting the season with three assists in his first two games.

Kuzy scored a goal in each of the first two periods against the Avalanche. In the first period, Kuzy lit the lamp on a breakaway after splitting three Colorado Avalanche defenders. Later in the second, he called his own number and sniped the far corner with a shot.

Goal 1

Goal no. 1 was made possible by a beautiful set play, where Kuznetsov dropped a pass in the defensive zone to John Carlson. Kuzy then sped towards the offensive zone and was hit in stride by Carlson with a perfect tape-to-tape pass.

Kuzy took care of the rest, beating Darcy Kuemper five-hole.

It doesn’t get more beautiful than that, folks. And yes, Kuzy broke out the bird after scoring.

According to ESPN metrics, Kuznetsov hit a top speed of 19 MPH skating into the zone. He also led all players in the first period with 1:01 total possession (though that may also be a bad thing).

But Kuzy’s first period was not without its faults, including some over-passing and a bad turnover that led to an Avalanche shorthanded goal.

Goal 2

In the second period, Kuznetsov extended the Capitals’ lead to 4-2, after taking a pass from Tom Wilson and going on a skate in the Avs’ offensive zone.

Don’t look now, but Kuzy may be on his way to that Top Kuzy level. He’s got five points in his first three games (2g, 3a) and he’s never looked better skating-wise.

Keep it up, you goofball.

Screenshot: ESPN+

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