Nikita Zadorov fires shot at the NHL in his post-game interview

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Cooper Godin
May 1, 2024 (2:10 PM)

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Officiating at any level is not easy, and when it comes to hockey and the Stanley Cup Playoffs, these referees are highly scrutinized for any mistake they make, as it could affect the outcome of a game of a fan's favourite team.

With that being said, even the players sometimes don't agree with the officials. Still, it can get them into trouble with the National Hockey League, which has fined players and coaches in the past for negative comments about the referees. On Tuesday, Nikita Zadorov tried to avoid that while speaking with the media.

After Vancouver's Game 5 loss to the Nashville Predators, Nikita Zadorov was not pleased with the officiating and made his thoughts known to reporters. He added that he wanted to choose his words wisely to avoid a fine from the NHL.

"I'm trying to find the words so I don't get fined $25,000 here. But everybody saw it, I think. As I said, It's obvious that the players are responsible for what they do on the ice, but there are a few other people on the ice who have to be responsible for it, too. It's the Stanley Cup Playoffs; it can't happen." Zadorov said.

The Canucks would go on to lose Game 5 by a score of 2-1, with the game-winner coming controversially, as many thought it should have been called goaltender interference.

But that wasn't the first questionable call in the series, as in Game 4, Filip Forsberg's goal appeared to be kicked in but was allowed to stand. Thankfully for the Canucks, Forsberg's goal didn't mean too much, as they went on to win that game in overtime.

Game 6 is set for Friday, May 3rd, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. The National Hockey League hasn't set a time for the game yet as it is waiting to see if the Los Angeles Kings and Edmonton Oilers series will need a sixth game on Friday. Even if that series does get extended to six games, there's a good chance the Canucks will have the early game in Nashville, given the Predators are in the central time zone, so it could be at either 4:30 or 5 p.m. PT for example. Stay tuned for more information on Game 6.