Russian ice hockey star Alexander Ovechkin has practiced his goaltending skills at the IIHF World Championship by stopping a deflected puck which was flying directly into his teammate’s face.
The bizarre episode took place on Wednesday during Russia’s group stage match against Italy. The puck, which unexpectedly rebounded from Russia’s defenseman’s stick, was flying right into the Red Machine’s bench.
The rubber bullet dangerously whizzed close to Florida Panthers' Evgenii Dadonov before the Washigton Capitals forward skillfully gloved it at the bench saving his teammate from a possible injury-threatening encounter.
The game itself ended with Russia's 10-0 victory over their Italian rivals, with Ovechkin registering one goal and one assist.