In the wake of YK’s outstanding World Junior tournament, we found this video of his top 10 goals from last season’s KHL play.
It’s clear that in that league, Kuznetsov moves faster than anyone else on the ice. And he’s not afraid to try hot-dog moves that only the most skillful players can pull off in game situations. Goals #7, 6, and 5 are truly spooky.
We’re betting he ends up in the NHL next year. Till then, enjoy this stuff.
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Well, well.
Wouldn’t have thought the last period could be so exciting, what with Canada down 6-1 to the Russians. But that’s the beauty – and the unpredictability – of team sports. The Canadian juniors scored four straight goals while totally dominating the Russians in that third period, and pulled to within a goalpost of tying the game.
Fast, exciting, desperate hockey from both teams – with great performances from, yes, Russia’s Kuznetsov, but also their backup goaltender, Makarov, who came in to save the game at 6-5. On the Canadian side, Dougie Hamilton and Jaden Schwartz were superb, helped by strong work from Gallagher, Strome, Stone, and Gormley.
Russia goes on to play for gold v Sweden, while Canada will face Finland for the bronze. Congrats to both these great teams.
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Remember that name: Yevgeni Kuznetsov.
He’s BP’s favourite young player in the world right now, and right now – at this moment – he’s ripping up the Canadian Juniors. Halfway through the second period, YK has already scored three goals to lead his team to a 4-1 lead. This will be very difficult for Team Canada to surmount, despite the fact that they’ve played well.
Stay tuned.
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Canada has looked very strong so far in this tournament, but if the Canadian team wants to avoid a repeat of last year’s catastrophic third-period collapse to the very fast and very skilled Russians, the whole team will have to raise its game and play the hardest 60 minutes yet.
Key players to watch will be Canada’s goalie – likely Scott Wedgewood – and forwards Mark Stone and Mark Scheifele. Oh, and don’t forget Russia’s explosive captain, the brilliant Yevgeni Kuznetsov.
Despite the obvious mismatches and lopsided scores, this tournament has again drawn outstanding attendance and media attention in Canada. Could it be that hockey fans prefer skating, passing, puck possession, and goals to the neutral-zone trapping and chip/chase tactics of most NHL teams?
Stay tuned.
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Remember the name – Kuznetsov. This guy is surely one of the best young hockey players in the world.
a very good game - unless you're Latvian
YK is Russia’s captain at the 2012 World Junior Hockey Championship, and last night scored 9 points in a game against Latvia – the second-most points ever scored at this tournament, behind only Peter Forsberg’s 1993 10-point night.
This is Kuznetsov’s third trip to the World Juniors. He made the Russian team very young in 2010, and last year, as the only 18-year-old on the team, finished second in tournament scoring to help his country win the gold medal.
Kuznetsov is on his way to the NHL – it’s just a question of when. Drafted by the Russobsessed Washington Capitals (whose GM, George McFee, insists the young forward will be coming to the NHL next year), YK currently plays in Russia’s KHL. But don’t be surprised to see him on a line with Alexander Ovechkin sooner than later… Meanwhile, watch as he continues to destroy world junior defences at this week’s tournament.
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Canada’s juniors came up with another dominant show again Wednesday night, hammering the Czechs 5-0.
On a night when the highly ranked US juniors lost 4-1 to the Finnish team (beaten 8-1 by Canada Monday), the Canadians showed their talent, especially around their opponents’ net.
Forward Mark Stone scored his tournament-leading 4th goal and Mark Scheifele added a pair in the third period to put the game out of reach.
But if the Czechs can figure out how to score – especially on the power play – their strong goaltending will make them tough to beat later in the tournament.
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