Chris Cuthbert executes reverse announcer jinx on NHL player’s first goal

Did SportsNet announcer Chris Cuthbert talk Toronto Maple Leafs forward Alex Steeves’ first NHL goal into existence on Saturday?

In the opening minutes of Saturday’s game in Toronto between the Maple Leafs and Carolina Hurricanes, the puck went into Toronto’s offensive zone, behind the net. Steeves found himself battling with a pair of Carolina players for possession. At that point, Cuthbert mentioned that Steeves was “looking for his first National Hockey League goal,” adding that the 25-year-old had “played 11 games over a few seasons.”

Steeves wouldn’t have to wait much longer.

Carolina briefly controlled the puck but a pass was intercepted by John Tavares. By that point, Steeves had moved to the front of the net and was wide open. Tavares passed the puck over to Steeves, who fired the one-timer in, beating Carolina goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov.

“Steeves goes after it, looking for his first National Hockey League goal. Played 11 games over a few seasons… THERE HE IS! IT’S ALEX STEEVES, AND HIS FIRST IN THE NHL!”

Well done by Chris Cuthbert on the Sportsnet call. 🏒🎙️pic.twitter.com/VpZVzrpHUD

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 23, 2025

That goal gave the Maple Leafs a 1-0 lead, Steeves his first career goal and gave Cuthbert a solid announcer jinx to add to his already abundant résumé.