NHL 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.

Nice deflection. 

The game ended with Russia’s 10-0 victory over their Italian rivals.

Ovechkin registered one goal and one assist, and of course one save. 

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