Evgeny Kuznetsov has scored many shootout goals via his slo-mo move. Now he can say it works in the playoffs.
Tuesday, in Game Five of the Carolina Hurricanes’ first-round series against the New York Islanders, Kuznetsov was awarded a penalty shot opportunity in the first period after Isles defenseman Alexander Romanov covered the puck in the crease.
Rod Brind’Amour picked Kuznetsov to shoot and the Russian centerman made no mistake on his chance. Though, as you might have guessed, the goal took forever to develop.
Kuznetsov took 11 seconds to reach the net. And when former Capitals goaltender Semyon Varlamov went for an aggressive poke-check, Kuznetsov scored easily on his forehand.
Kuznetsov did not celebrate with his iconic bird celebration, but his celly was epic nonetheless. He twirled his right hand and pumped his fist as Hurricanes fans at PNC Arena went wild.
The penalty shot goal gave the Hurricanes a 3-1 lead at the 13:22 mark of the first period.
The tally marked Kuznetsov’s second goal of the playoffs and his third point (2g, 1a) in five games.
