Evgeny Kuznetsov Scores Magical, Mid-Air Goal in Team Russia’s 5-1 Rout of Switzerland

Alex Ovechkin, Evgeny Kuznetsov, and Dmitry Orlov all made their 2016 World Championship debuts for Team Russia, Saturday. Ovechkin, the NHL’s leading goal scorer didn’t dent the twine, but his Caps teammates sure were busy. Orlov delivered one of the biggest hits of his career while Kuznetsov, the Caps regular season leading point scorer, tallied on a brilliant mid-air deflection.

.@Kuzya92 up to his old Wizard Tricks at #IIHFWorlds. #RockTheRed #CapsAtWorlds https://t.co/ys4P5bCcPk

— Washington Capitals (@washcaps) May 14, 2016

The puck went in and out so quick, some Swiss players did not realize Kuznetsov scored and the goal had to be reviewed. Once confirmed, the magical goal gave Team Russia a 2-0 lead in the second period. This was Kuznetsov’s second goal in his last 32 games. Ovechkin was credited an assist.

Team Russia would add three more tallies and win 5-1.

Ovechkin finished the game with six shots on goal in 19 minutes of ice time. Kuznetsov (three shots) skated 14:30 while Orlov, wearing #81, saw the third most ice time among Team Russia defensemen (15:38).

“Leave the goals for the next matches,” Ovechkin said to the media after the game.