When Russian defenseman Nikita Zadorov missed a few games early in the regular season, Calgary Flames head coach Daryl Sutter put it simply:
“We have competition. If you play well, then you play. If not, then no. “
When the great Russian defender returned to the squad, he calmly reacted to the coach’s words:
“I accept the challenge. I try to play hard and help my team win. This is my main goal. “
Zadorov is really trying to help Ogonyok with whatever means he can. In early November, he scored his first goal this season in the NHL – Dallas suffered.
Throughout the game, Nikita surprised with an energetic reception – there was nothing surprising about the blow itself, the oversized defender loves to meet his opponent harshly, the choice of victim turned out to be unexpected. Zadorov, in the name of the interests of the team, did not spare his compatriot, the Olympic champion of San José, Alexander Barabanov.
The Russian made more productive mistakes, but he never gave up on Calgary’s main roster. In thanks to Sutter, the protector continues to produce cool performances. In the Flames’ away game against Ottawa on Sunday, the Russian goal should have come very early – young Senators forward Yegor Sokolov had already had two excellent chances in the first period. Alas, it didn’t work.
As a result, the Russian Ice Cream Vacation at the Canadian Tire Center had to be postponed to the third period. By then the guests had managed to secure a result – the score was opened by Russian national team gravedigger at the 2021 World Cup, Canada’s Andrew Manjipane, and Elias Lindholm and Matthew Tkachak also scored on a goal.
Well, almost immediately after the second break the main puck happened in this game. Zadorov grabbed the puck in his own goal and moved across the box to the end zone. No one dared to interfere with the Russian giant, and he, before reaching the right touch circle, shot goalkeeper Anton Forsberg with a wrist throw to the far corner – a great goal!
Calgary fans, who often harshly criticize Zadorov, can’t seem to believe their eyes.
They jokingly called Nikita a famous sniper.
And they were also surprised not only by the puck itself, but also how consistently the Russian shrugged after that. As if such mini-masterpieces were commonplace with him!
The Flames won 4-0 and, although they weren’t the best in November, they are fourth in the Western Conference standings. Zadorov, with his goal, continued to prove to Sutter and all the fans that the attempt to eliminate him early in the season was too hasty. By the way, in addition to the dropped puck, Nikita also made a few clears – for example, he was the first to rush in to defend his goalie and crash hard on Brady Tkachak. The Russian giant is making great efforts!
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