Ex-NHLer Pulls a Ridly Grieg, Uncorking an Empty-Net Clapper, But Receives Very Different Reaction

Just over a year ago, the end of a game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators ended in chaos, thanks to Senators forward Ridly Grieg taking a slapshot into the empty net.

Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly responded accordingly by going after Grieg, which ultimately led to a massive melee along the boards. Unfortunately, Rielly was suspended five games for cross-checking his opponent in the head, but it served its purpose as a bit of a message to anyone looking to clown on the Leafs. That message? There will be consequences.

Over the weekend, ironically just past the one-year anniversary of the Grieg incident, former Washington Capitals forward Kuznetsov put a smile on Grieg's face by emphatically taking a slapshot from the top of the crease into the empty net in the KHL.

Surprisingly, Kuznetsov didn't celebrate with his trademark eagle celebration. What comes as more of a shock, however, is the lack of response from the opposition. Kuznetsov and his teammates celebrated the empty net goal without any repercussions and like nothing out of the ordinary happened.

Kuznetsov is no stranger to controversy on the ice, as last season, he was called out for his painfully slow shootout move.

He was also thrust into the spotlight when he terminated the remaining year on his NHL contract to sign a four-year deal with SKA St. Petersburg after being acquired by the Carolina Hurricanes at the deadline last season.

In 743 NHL games with the Capitals and Hurricanes, the 32-year-old tallied 173 goals and 575 points, while helping the Capitals capture their first Stanley Cup in 2018.