This former Sabres defenseman is continuing to make Evander Kane’s series a nightmare.
Former Buffalo Sabres defenseman Nikita Zadorov is having a fantastic postseason. In 11 games, the 6-foot-6 defender has four goals, eight points, and a plus-4 rating. The Canucks have greatly benefitted from the 29-year-old’s offense, but he also remained impactful with his defensive play and immense physicality.
Zadorov’s been playing with a real edge in the second round against the Edmonton Oilers. This is especially true when it comes to fellow former Sabre Evander Kane.
Evander Kane
In Game 3, Zadorov memorably knocked Kane into the Oilers’ bench with a huge hit and then roughed him up afterward to add insult to injury. The bad blood between Zadorov and Kane also carried over to Game 5 on Thursday night.
Nikita Zadorov just hit Evander Kane INTO THE OILERS BENCH 😱 pic.twitter.com/1c1gSGaOBc
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) May 13, 2024
Zadorov makes a crying face at Evander Kane pic.twitter.com/Rd1hGtQnEo
— Dennis Wideman (@bboysburner) May 17, 2024
Zadorov mocked Kane during their latest matchup, as the hulking defenseman made a crying face and said “wah” at the Oilers’ winger.
It is clear that there is some serious tension brewing between these two former Sabres. It is easy to understand, as both players play a very heavy game and are never afraid to mix things up.
It will now be intriguing to see what happens next between Zadorov and Kane.
