Yevgeny Kuznetsov found a way to make his super-slow shootout move even more absurd.
Kuznetsov, who shot first in the skill contest against Buffalo Sabers goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, picked up the puck in the middle of the ice and switched to his standard sloth mode. But it’s what he did next that’s causing a lot of laughter across the league.
Kuzy passed the puck forward to open the ice, then appeared to interfere as if his controller had disconnected.
When your controller disconnects but turns back on just in time. 😂 pic.twitter.com/SoyzyZkQhO
— NHL (@NHL) March 16, 2023
Once the Russia centerman had the puck back on his blade, he showed signs of life again and deflected the puck like a maniac before finally hitting it with the forehand.
During the broadcast, NBC Sports Washington’s Craig Laughlin said Kuzy’s attempt lasted 10.1 seconds and he totaled 21 stickhandles.
Kuznetsov is now shooting 80 percent in the shootout this season, hitting all over the same Slownetsov move on four of his five attempts.
Earlier this year I asked Kuzy what the benefits were.
“I don’t know, to be honest,” Kuznetsov said. “I do not know what [the goalies] think, but I feel a lot more comfortable in terms of timing and racquet handling. In terms of my angle, I’m much more comfortable coming slower.
“I look at the goalkeeper for a long time and see what he’s doing, how deep he’s standing.”
TJ Oshie would score after Kuznetsov, knocking UPL completely off the net. Alex Tuch and Tage Thompson were both stopped by Charlie Lindgren to give the Capitals the win.