With the series tied 1-1 and Games 3 and 4 to be played in hostile territory, the Vancouver Canucks may have to rely on a player who wasn’t on the roster at the start of the season. Defenceman Nikita Zadorov, who has lined up alongside Ian Cole through two games in their first-round series against the Nashville Predators, has already had a big impact. His size, toughness, offensive contributions, and playoff experience will be invaluable when the series outcome hangs in the balance.
Surprising Trade That’s Paid Dividends
The Canucks and Calgary Flames did business multiple times this season. The most important was the trade that allowed Vancouver to handle its Andrei Kuzmenko dilemma. That was closer to the February trade deadline. Bringing in Elias Lindholm in return was also a nice touch.
But with the Round 1 series against the pesky Predators there for the taking, the acquisition of Zadorov in December is making the biggest impact. Not to slight Lindholm – a fine player who could play a big role, too – but Zadorov has the crowds buzzing. Apart from energizing attendees, he’s energized his team as well.
The Moscovite is a big man, after all. At 6-foot-6 and 248 pounds, the 11-year veteran sports a terrific blend of physicality and skill. His hit on Nashville’s Cole Smith late in the third period of Game 1 as the Canucks clung to a precious 3-2 lead is a perfect example. It happened near the Vancouver blue line, with the Predators attempting to muster an offensive push to level the score. A clear message was sent: You shall not pass. Zadorov also assisted on Lindholm’s second-period goal that got the team going.
In Game 2, he plastered Roman Josi against the boards in the first period. It was a perfect moment. Nashville had already pounced to a 1-0 lead through a somewhat fluky deflection. Once again, Zadorov signalled to the opposition that entering Canucks territory was going to be at their own risk. Lo and behold, the big defenceman was also the lone Vancouver goal scorer. His marker made it a 3-1 game late in the second period.
Zadorov: Big Man with Big Baggage
The Canucks have a minus-1 goal differential in the series, but Zadorov is at an even 0. Yes, that means he’s been on the ice for a few Nashville goals, but he’s also been involved in Vancouver goals. He’s also averaging 18:34 a game, which puts him in the middle of the pack on the roster. Arguably, there are risks and rewards when he’s on the ice, but in the playoffs,…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at The Hockey Writers…