Despite disallowed header goal, Datsyuk victorious in KHL debut

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.