The Vancouver Canucks have treated their fans to some excitement and drama so far in the 2024 Playoffs. They should be called the “Comeback Canucks” at this point given their propensity to dig deep and never give up despite being down multiple goals. They did it in the first round against the Nashville Predators in Game 4, shocking the Bridgestone Arena crowd by notching two goals in less than two minutes and winning it in overtime off the stick of Elias Lindholm. Then, in another crescendo of exciting hockey, Conor Garland provided the dramatics in Game 1 against the Edmonton Oilers with his cheeky game-winner where he faked out Stuart Skinner with a slapper and slid it five-hole. That goal completed the comeback after Lindholm, JT Miller and Nikita Zadorov scored three unanswered to tie the game at four.
What do both of those comebacks have in common? Zadorov and Lindholm have helped either key it or finish it. In other words, general manager Patrik Allvin‘s two biggest acquisitions this season are paying immediate dividends in the playoffs and have helped push the Canucks to the second round and three wins away from the Western Conference Final.
“Big Z” Delivering the Goods in the Playoffs
Zadorov has lived up to his nickname “Big Z” so far in these playoffs. He has thrown every bit of his 6-foot-7 frame at the opposition with 25 hits and has three goals and five points in seven games. We all expected the former, I don’t think anyone expected the latter. He has arguably been the Canucks’ best defenceman – yes, even better than Quinn Hughes – and is a big reason why the Canucks have a series win under their belt and a 1-0 lead against the Oilers.
Related: 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs Round 2 Hub
Zadorov was a beast in the first round with two goals – and nearly the series winner in Game 5 – skating miles alongside Ian Cole. He has averaged 20 minutes of ice time so far and has given everything (and more) that the fans and Allvin were hoping for when he was acquired in November for nothing but a couple of later-round draft picks. He didn’t take long to make his presence felt in the second round against the Oilers, tying the game at four with a rocket from the blue line and starting the rush with a long stretch pass to Dakota Joshua, who found Garland for the eventual winning goal.
Big Z’s performance in the playoffs should also net him a big payday in free…
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