Evgeny Kuznetsov exposed a loophole in the NHL and hockey shootout rulebook

Kuznetsov is 33, he was drafted in 2010, first round, 26th overall by Washington, and as of March 14, 2026, he plays overseas for Metallurg Magnitogorsk in the KHL.

That context matters because this clip survives on skill alone now. There is no current NHL roster spin to hide behind.

The move works because Kuznetsov steals the goalie's timing. He slows the approach until the crease turns into pure doubt.

McKenna's point was simple and smart. The goalie waits for a release point that never comes, and that hesitation kills the save chance.

What makes it bizarre is how little happens at full speed. There is no big deke chain, just control, patience, and one tiny finish.

That is why this play still hits fans so hard. It looks disrespectful because Kuznetsov wins without ever looking rushed.

A lot of fans still watch this and think the goalie never had a real chance.

Kuznetsov posted 173 goals and 402 assists for 575 points in 743 NHL games, and this clip fits the reputation perfectly. He was always more dangerous when defenders had to read his hands and pace.

The best part of the highlight is the lesson it leaves behind. Even in a skills contest, tempo can be deadlier than speed.

That is why this remains one of the strangest shootout goals ever, and why every replay still feels like hockey logic got bent for a few seconds.