Last night was no exception. While he may not have recorded any points, Zadorov was solid defensively and physically all night, getting under the skin of Edmonton Oilers forward Evander Kane, something he's been doing all series long.
After a whistle early in the second period, Evander Kane was complaining to the officials about a non-call and Nikita Zadorov saw that happening and mocked the Oilers forward by acting like he was crying.
There will be several more battles between the two tomorrow night in Game 6 and it's been fun to watch the physicality that Nikita Zadorov has brought to the series. It's something the Canucks were needing before acquiring him from the Calgary Flames earlier this season.
There's no doubt that with each passing day, Zadorov's value is increasing and he could be set for a big pay day if he hits the open market as an unrestricted free agent on Canada Day. However, the Canucks will definitely want to keep him and it'll be interesting to see if they'll be able to work out a deal to keep the Russian defenceman in Vancouver.
Zadorov and the Canucks will look to finish off their series on Saturday night and advance to the Western Conference Final for the first time in 13 years. Puck drop is set for 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET on Sportsnet and CBC.
POLL | ||
MAI 17 | 1233 ANSWERS Nikita Zadorov mocks Evander Kane for complaining to referees Should the Canucks re-sign Nikita Zadorov? | ||
Yes | 1174 | 95.2 % |
No | 59 | 4.8 % |
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