Pavel Datsyuk made his Russian league debut on Monday in CSKA Moscow’s 1-0 victory over Avangard Omsk.
The Red Wings center played 18:07 in his first game -- on a line with ex-Nashville winger Alex Radulov -- and fired three shots on goal, going 10-for-12 in the faceoff circle.
Oh yeah, Datsyuk also did this:
After further review, the goal was eventually disallowed (despite Radulov celebrating like it was totally legit.) Not a surprising decision, but it does bring up a requisite clarification about European league rules...
Much like the NHL, the KHL prohibits intentionally heading the puck into the net.
But -- on the soccer tip -- it should be noted the Swedish Elite League is allowing players to kick the puck this season, so long as their skates remain on the ice.