"I hate it": When Wayne Gretzky called out $62,400,000 Caps star's unorthodox shootout antics

By Ankit Kumar

Modified Aug 23, 2023 19:53 GMT

Wayne Gretzky, widely regarded as the greatest player in the history of the sport, was once extremely critical of Evgeny Kuznetsov's unconventional super-slow shootout move.

The move took the NHL by storm, sparking both admiration and controversy among fans and players. It has proven to be nearly foolproof and has earned Kuznetsov, who is on an eight-year, $62,400,000 contract with the Capitals, an impressive success rate.

On April 2, 2023, Gretzky openly expressed his disdain for Kuznetsov's innovative tactic during a pregame panel discussion on TNT.

As the Capitals geared up to face off against the New York Rangers, Gretzky's disapproval was unmistakable. In response to a highlight reel, he said:

"I hate it."

The hockey icon also called for a rule change and proposed the introduction of a time clock, akin to that in baseball. He argued that the move disrupts the rhythm of the game, given the rarity of breakaway opportunities. Gretzky went on to suggest a strict time limit for executing shootout attempts, asserting:

"You get seven seconds, eight seconds. That's my opinion."

Beyond the time constraint, Wayne Gretzky also took issue with the flair that Kuznetsov injected into his approach. The stick twirl and showmanship exhibited by the Capitals forward drew Gretzky's ire. He reflected on the cultural shift in the game but maintained his belief in preserving the dignity of hockey.

In his eyes, such antics would have been met with swift retribution during his era.

Wayne Gretzky's stance emphasized the principle that a prolonged approach should not overshadow the primary objective of protecting the goalkeepers. He argued that players who cannot reach the net within the stipulated time frame should forfeit their attempt.

Evgeny Kuznetsov's unbelievable maneuver that caught Wayne Gretzky's attention

Though Wayne Gretzky's criticism of Kuznetsov's maneuver was unequivocal, he couldn't deny the success it brought the Russian forward. Kuznetsov's mastery of the super-slow move has secured him the second-highest success rate among players with at least five shootout attempts that season.

A remarkable 83.3 percent success rate underscored the effectiveness of his approach. Kuznetsov utilized his signature move in all of his attempts, with his goal against Ilya Sorokin of the New York Islanders exemplifying its potency.

Interestingly, Kuznetsov himself seemed to be mystified by the triumph of his distinctive technique. When asked about the secret behind its success, he admitted:

"I don't know to be honest with you."

While he couldn't discern the exact thoughts of opposing goalies, he attributed his proficiency to improved timing and stick-handling.