Nail Yakupov celebrates after scoring game tying goal Photo: Edmonton Journal
By Cam Tucker • ProHockeyTalk •
The Kings held a 1-0 lead over the Edmonton Oilers thanks to a second period goal from Jeff Carter, but Nail Yakupov scored with 4.7 seconds remaining in regulation time, slapping the puck out of mid-air and past goalie Jonathan Quick.
For Yakupov, the first overall pick in last June’s NHL Entry Draft, it was his second goal of his rookie season. He celebrated by frantically throwing his hands in the air, skating wildly to the Kings blue line then dropping to his knees.
His slide took him inside his own blue line, almost to his own net, reminiscent of Theo Fleury’s renowned celebration from 1991.
It didn’t sit well with the Kings.
Stoll on Yakupov “It wasn’t something that was looked in a positive light in our dressing room but so be it he made a good play on the goal”
— Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) January 25, 2013
It’s the third game of the season not the stanley cup rook. bould move for a kid and kind of douchy
I liked it for the passion it showed but yeah, if that became a regular thing it would be too much like football. At least it gives the King incentive for February 19th!
I haven’t decided if i hate it because it hurt so much and I’m biased but when I picture someone like doughty doing that or something I would be embarrassed
It’s the young aspect you have to factor in. If he keeps doing it then it won’t be forgotten otherwise it was just a one time thing.
I like it. It was his first NHL goal, he’s only 19 and it was a huge. It was the tying goal with less than 5 seconds remaining. I would be more concerned if he showed no emotion at all.
Well Jarret, how about winning the faceoff before it so that goal doesn’t even happen? Did ya think of that one buddy? The Kings DESERVED that goal celebration after the way they played last night.
One thing’s for certain. The Kings had about 100 ways to win that game but found just about the worst way to lose it.
100% agreed with you..
“Act like you’ve been there before” – Al Davis
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