Yevgeny Kuznetsov found a way to make his super slow shooting motion even more absurd.
Kuznetsov, who pitched first in the skills competition against Buffalo Sabers goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, picked up the puck at center ice and went into standard lazy mode. But it’s what he did next that gets a lot of laughs all over the league.
Kuzy passed the puck in front to open the ice, then seemingly slid as if his controller had disconnected.
When your controller disconnects but comes back on just in time. 😂 pic.twitter.com/SoyzyZkQhO
— NHL (@NHL) March 16, 2023
Once the Russian center got the puck back on his blade, he started showing signs of life again, ramming the puck like crazy until he finally scored on his forehand.
During the telecast, NBC Sports Washington’s Craig Laughlin said Kuzy’s attempt took 10.1 seconds and he counted 21 total stickhandles.
Kuznetsov is now shooting 80% this season on the shootout, connecting on four of his five attempts via the same Slownetsov move.
Earlier in the year, I asked Kuzy about the benefits.
“I don’t know to be honest with you,” Kuznetsov said. “I do not know what [the goalies] think but I feel much more comfortable in terms of timing and stickhandling. In terms of my angle, I feel much more comfortable when I arrive at a slower pace.
“I watch the goalkeeper for a long time and see what he does, how deep he is.”
TJ Oshie would score past Kuznetsov, knocking UPL out of the net entirely. Alex Tuch and Tage Thompson were both stopped by Charlie Lindgren to give the Capitals the win.