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  • Washington Capitals on The Hockey News

    GOTTA SEE IT: Kuznetsov Brings Back 'Kuzy Crawl' Slow-Mo Shootout Move, Impresses In SKA Preseason Game

    By Sammi Silber,

    2024-08-08

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4OutQq_0us2zeZt00

    Ex-Washington Capitals star Evgeny Kuznetsov is hitting the ground running as he makes his transition to the KHL and showed that he's still got it as he took the ice and showcased his signature moves with SKA St. Petersburg.

    As part of their preseason training, SKA split their team into two — Team White and Team Blue — for an interclub scrimmage on Thursday. Kuznetsov picked up an assist and also got to participate in a shootout, where he brought back the signature "Kuzy Crawl" that made him famous — and infamous — at the NHL level.

    View the original article to see embedded media.

    To start his attempt, he'll drift out wide and go slow, but keep a forward motion with the puck and deking multiple times. He'll then creep in and shoot when he sees that he has an open target.

    Kuznetsov scored on his attempt, and his team also got a 4-1 win. The 32-year-old center was named an alternate captain for Team White.

    Last year, Kuznetsov opened up about his signature move in an exclusive 1-on-1 with The Hockey News , explaining that a lot goes into pulling off the move.

    "It's a lot of things, a lot of stuff that goes (into it), from the video, stuff like that. And some of the goalies that I played before, I know how they're going to play. It feels like whatever you do, you gotta hide the finishing part," Kuznetsov said.

    Related: Exclusive: Kuznetsov Revamps Slo-Mo Shootout Moves, Discusses Tweaks To The 'Kuzy Crawl'

    The move has received some critiques over the years, with Wayne Gretzky calling for it to be banned and others pointing out that it was unfair to goaltenders, but it hasn't stopped Kuznetsov.

    "I don't give a f--- what they think," he said of his critics with a laugh, but then more seriously explained, "I know people may not like, but you know, so far it's been working for me."

    Kuznetsov is back in Russia playing in the KHL after terminating the final year of his NHL contract and signing a four-year deal with SKA.


    READ MORE ON THE HOCKEY NEWS

    - Why a Patrik Laine trade doesn't make sense for the Capitals right now

    - Evgeny Kuznetsov opens up about battle with rheumatoid arthritis

    - Haakon Hanelt laying it all on the line to earn his entry-level contract in his final year with the Capitals

    - Dmitry Orlov believes Alex Ovechkin can break Wayne Gretzky's record this season

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