Gotta See It: That teenager Jonathan Huberdeau pulled the move he did in a penalty shot and not in a shootout makes it all the more impressive. Talk about rookie poise. My goodness.
The 19-year-old Quebec native was bear-hugged from behind by Philadelphia Flyers defenceman Kimmo Timonen on a clear first-period break to the goal and thus granted his first career penalty shot.
Cue the magic.
Watch as Huberdeau butter-slides sideways on his skates, slowing his momentum with the puck on his backhand, then smoothly dekes out Ilya Bryzgalov, finishing backhand five-hole. Not sure if we want the kid’s hands or his feet.
“I love being in a shootout, penalty-shot situation,” Huberdeau told reporters after the game. “They gave me the opportunity, very happy they have the confidence in me, and it was great to come through for the team.”
Bryzgalov lost it. From a sitting position on the ice, he threw his stick back towards the glass.
And when Huberdeau – who finished the game with four points – beat Bryz on a power-play goal in the second period, the amateur Russian cosmonaut was yanked from the game. He finished the game with a 7.56 GAA. Again, he threw his stick. This time down the tunnel as he went to the dressing room.
Thanks everyone !! Feels great , a big win and we are back at it tomorrow night in Pittsburgh !! #roady #FlaPanthers #2/2 — Jonathan Huberdeau (@JonnyHuby11) February 22, 2013
Thanks everyone !! Feels great , a big win and we are back at it tomorrow night in Pittsburgh !! #roady #FlaPanthers #2/2
— Jonathan Huberdeau (@JonnyHuby11) February 22, 2013
Huberdeau now leads the Panthers in goals (eight), points (13), plus/minus (+3) and shooting percentage (23.5%). His stats are even more remarkable when you consider the rookie is only getting the seventh-most amount of ice time among Panthers forwards.
And with the St. Louis Blues’ Vladimir Tarasenko injured, he might have taken the yellow jersey in the Calder race.
