Evgeny Kuznetsov was suspended one playoff game by the KHL on Thursday for making an obscene gesture towards Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg players.
Per the KHL, as translated by Google Translate:
Based on the materials presented, a decision was made to impose a penalty on Salavat Yulaev forward Evgeny Kuznetsov under paragraph 1.30 of Article 29 of the KHL Disciplinary Regulations (Uses any obscene, abusive or offensive gesture towards a referee or any person), (and) disqualify him for one match and subject him to a monetary fine.
The 33-year-old forward made a sexual gesture toward Avtomobilist players after Salavat Yulaev’s 1-0 victory in Game 2, tying the two teams’ opening round playoff series 1-1. An overhead camera at UMMC Arena captured Kuznetsov’s lewd hand motion. Among the players on Avtomobilist’s roster is former Capitals forward Daniel Sprong, a teammate of Kuznetsov’s for two NHL seasons (2020-21 and 2021-22).
Kuznetsov’s coach, Viktor Kozlov, suggested that Kuznetsov’s gesture was a harmless joke between old pals, instead accusing KHL officials of overreacting.
“Two friends met and just chatted,” Kozlov said to Match TV and via a translation by Google Translate. “The refereeing committee made that decision.”
With Kuznetsov on the sidelines, a different Kuznetsov stepped up for Salavat Yulaev in Game 3. Maxim Kuznetsov scored the game-winning goal with 2:17 remaining, managing to find the back of the net at nearly no angle. The tally gave Salavat a 4-3 victory and extended the team’s series lead to two games to one.
Evgeny Kuznetsov, who has no points in the 2026 postseason, has averaged 21:18 over two playoff games so far. He has reinvented his career with Salavat Yulaev since the team claimed him off of waivers from Metallurg Magnitogorsk in January, earning high praise from Kozlov by posting 18 points (6g, 12a) in 19 games down the stretch.
Kuznetsov is expected to rejoin the lineup for Game 4. When asked what would help the team’s third line, Kozlov replied, “Evgeny Kuznetsov’s disqualification will end by the next match. There’s a way around it.”
Game 4 will be played at Salvat’s Ufa Arena on March 29.
