Forward “Washington” Evgeny Kuznetsov in the NHL rightly has a reputation as a great original both on and off the ice. The fans on the other side of the ocean constantly cause a storm of emotions from his post-match shootouts.

So in the match with Toronto, Zhenya again embarked on experiments during the shootout. The Russian striker did everything in accordance with the rules, but the fans still destroy him on social networks and accuse him of disrespect for his opponents.

So why did Kuznetsov anger the Americans so much?

original bullet

Kuznetsov got another chance to show his extraordinary skills in the NHL regular season match against Toronto. Regular time ended in a 3-3 draw, overtime brought no goals, and the determination of the winner turned into a shootout.

Evgeniy, having stepped onto the ice, decided to repeat his March trick with a slow movement to the goal, but this time he slightly modified it. Kuznetsov began to perform the bullet as standard. Shifting to the right, he crossed the blue line and immediately slowed down. After that, Zhenya suddenly began to twist the stick in the air. Lowering it on the ice, the striker began to quickly move the puck from side to side. During all this action, the player did not stop for a second, gradually approaching the goalkeeper of the “maple leaves”.

Kuznetsov’s feints caused confusion among Toronto goalie Eric Kellgren, how else to explain that the Swede could not even react normally to the Russian hockey player’s throw, after which the puck flew into the goal tightly with the bar.

Photo: © REUTERS / Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

“70% of NHL players want to punch Kuznetsov in the face”

A chic bullet performed by Zhenya caused not only joy among the fans of the Capitals, but also certain questions from the American public, accustomed to completely different shots.

– Why is it allowed? You need to at least roll at game speed,” a user with the nickname @champagne_patty wrote on his social networks.

“It can’t be that Kuznetsov’s attempt was in line with the rules,” @IlyaMikheyevBBY was indignant at the actions of the Russian

But there really were no violations in Evgeny’s trick. His execution of the bullet literally breaks the system. The rules of hockey do not say anything about the speed of movement of the shooter. There are no restrictions on the rotation of the club. The rest of the requirements the player fulfilled flawlessly. He did not stop himself, moving forward, and did not allow the puck to do this. I didn’t tear it off and didn’t lift it above the shoulders along with the stick.

Assessing Kuznetsov’s bullet, hockey fans didn’t really choose their words. The original bullet infuriated the Americans.

– I understand that “pumped skills” are useful for hockey at all levels. No more thugs, fights and intimidation. But I guarantee that 70% of NHL players want to punch Kuznetsov in the face,” the user @GeoffThomas1 expressed his dissatisfaction.

Kuznetsov had half an hour before he reached the gate. During this time, you can make a sandwich, jokes @dave_lees_

“Disrespect from Kuznetsov,” a user with the nickname @hockey_realm briefly described the situation.

– The goalkeeper should have tried to trip him, – @demers85 wished Evgeny to repeat the fate of Ovechkin, whom Kellgren injured in the main time of the match.

You can understand the indignation of the fans, because the manner of execution of shootouts by Kuznetsov is very different from generally accepted standards and unnerves the goalkeepers. However, it is unlikely that harsh criticism will force Eugene to abandon his chips. And he only needs to regret that the rest of the Washington players were not as accurate, which is why the Caps still lost.