Evgeny Kuznetsov\u2019s start with Salavat Yulaev is going swimmingly, or I guess, flappingly.<\/p>\n
The former Capital has recorded three points in his first two games, including notching his first goal with his new team on Saturday.<\/p>\n
Kuznetsov lit the lamp 5:14 into the third period on a delayed penalty call. Taking a pass from former Hershey Bears forward Sheldon Rempal, Kuznetsov beat Barys Astana goaltender A\u0301dam Sche\u0301e\u0301l from the top of the circles with a wrist shot to give Salavat Yulaev a 2-1 lead.<\/p>\n
Kuznetsov celebrated by doing his trademark bird celly.<\/p>\n
The goal was Kuznetsov\u2019s second of the season and his first since a December 17 game against HC Sochi when he was a member of Metallurg Magnitogorsk.<\/p>\n
Kuznetsov also registered a primary assist on Yegor Suchkov\u2019s goal one minute into the game, sending a nasty, no-look pass right onto his teammate\u2019s blade.<\/p>\n
Kuznetsov\u2019s goal would serve as the game-winner in Salavat Yulaev\u2019s 3-1 win \u2014 his first GWG since November 18, 2024, with SKA St. Petersburg.<\/p>\n
\u201cTwo important points,\u201d Salavat Yulaev head coach Viktor Kozlov, a former Capital himself, said to Match TV<\/a>, and a translation per Google Translate. \u201cIt\u2019s nice to see the \u2018bird\u2019 in green. Congratulations to everyone on the win.\u201d<\/p>\n Kuznetsov also had a point in his first game with the team on Thursday against Avtomobilist Ekaterinburg. He notched the primary assist on an Alexander Zharovsky power-play goal, giving Salavat Yulaev a 4-1 lead 18 seconds into the third period.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve got a real talent now,\u201d Kozlov said of Kuznetsov said per sports.ru<\/a>. \u201cHe makes his teammates better and gives the other guys confidence.\u201d<\/p>\n