Evgeny Kuznetsov just scored his first goal as a member of the Carolina Hurricanes. And his joy afterward might move some of you to tears.
The Russian centerman benefitted from a fire drill by the Florida Panthers in the defensive zone and a heads-up pass by Jalen Chatfield. The Canes defenseman found Kuznetsov wide open in the left circle.
Kuznetsov gathered his thoughts and then sniped a shot past fellow countryman Sergei Bobrovsky short-side, putting the Hurricanes up 3-0 with 11:33 remaining in the second period.
The tally marked Kuznetsov’s first goal in the NHL since January 3, 2024, when he was still a member of the Washington Capitals.
To celebrate, Kuznetsov flapped his arms and did his signature bird celly as the crowd in “Raleighwood” went berserk.
Naturally, Kuznetsov was first greeted in the goal hug by his close friend and former Capital Dmitry Orlov. Kuznetsov flashed a huge grin as all his teammates joined him along the sideboards.
The Eagle has landed in Raleigh 🦅 pic.twitter.com/OhU6haxhuS
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) March 15, 2024
The Chelyabinsk native got a huge ovation from the crowd when his goal was announced over the PA system minutes later, forcing him to crack a wry smile.
The 31-year-old forward also recorded a secondary assist on a wacky Martin Necas goal — Kuzy’s first point of his Hurricanes career. Dmitry Orlov tallied the primary assist.
The two points marked Kuznetsov’s first multi-point game since January 27 — Kuznetsov’s final game as a member of the Caps — and after 26 days in the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance program.
Since arriving in Carolina, Kuznetsov has shown a new spark in what could be his final chance in the league. In his previous three games with the Canes before Thursday’s matchup against the Panthers, Kuznetsov posted positive differentials in shot attempts (46-35), scoring chances (22-19), and high-danger chances (10-5) at five-on-five — stat categories he was massively underwater in with the Caps.
In his opening interview with Hurricanes’ press last week, Kuznetsov said he was happy to start a new chapter in his life. “It’s something that I was looking for,” he said.
Of his time with the Capitals, Kuznetsov called DC a “massive chunk of my heart.” He added, “Unfortunately I had to leave on that note, but it’s life.”
From all of us at RMNB – we’re so insanely happy for you, Kuzy. Keep it up, Birdman!
