It couldn’t have been otherwise in the Battle of Albert between Calgary and Edmonton. As the famous once said Darius KasparaitisDead guys aren’t the only ones playing in the NHL playoffs who go on the ice with a broken leg at Stanley Cup games. That’s why microtraumas don’t count at all and experienced players prefer not to notice moderate injuries.

The status of the most selfless and brave warrior in this series is deserved by the defender of the Russian Flames. Nikita Zadorov. According to a TSN journalist, the Russian giant spent the quarterfinals of the NHL playoffs with a serious injury against Edmonton. release valveThe Russian played with three broken ribs.

The hockey player was reported to have suffered a fracture during the 1/8 final series with Dallas (4-3) but this did not affect his playing time and general activity on the ice. He played the entire series against the Oilers, but playing time ranged from 23 to 14 minutes per game. At the same time, Nikita gained an assist in the fifth game of the series, and in the fourth game he scored 6 shots on the goal, despite only 14 minutes spent on the field.

In terms of total strong moves in the playoffs, he was the fourth hockey player on the team (32 in 12 games) and shared fourth place with his peers in the role in block shootouts (13). Eric Goodbranson and Oliver Kylington.

Ogonki fans respected the knowledge that the Russian defender played with a serious injury, which actually involved bed rest and did not increase the “hunting” and strong impact on the best player in the world. Connor McDavid. Although not without those whom Nikita did not quite fit into her heart.

I thought he would make stronger moves in the playoffs. Maybe the injury explains everything, – said fan Jason Chahin. “Yeah, he was great against Edmonton. – Alberta objected to Cristie Girl. “Is injury a bad excuse? Have you ever experienced bruises or scratches? Hard to play with them even in beer league, not to mention the NHL” Travis Finlayson took a stand against the slanderers.

Many noted that Zadorov began to play more cunningly, contrary to his usual preferences. In some episodes of the series versus Edmonton, he avoided a power move between the Oilers players that led to amusing confrontations with each other – it was even called “Zadorov’s chess”.

At the same time, Zadorov, in addition to treating ribs, should prepare for a possible search for a new team. Nikita’s contract with Ogonki expires in the summer, and although he is in good standing, he mainly played in the third defensive pair. His current $3.75 million contract doesn’t seem like much of a burden, but Calgary can’t afford to spend an extra penny as the team’s main character isn’t signed for next season. Johnny Gaudreau. We also need new contracts for the star of last year’s World Cup. Andrew Manjipana, Matthew Trubber, Oliver Kylington and Calle Ernkroka.

“At this time of the season, you need to give your best and show your best game on the ice every evening, – said Zadorov before the playoffs started. “That’s what good teams do and every guy in the locker room does that. That’s why we’re where we are now and we want more.”

Calgary failed to win the Stanley Cup, but the respect of the fans and the Lights and Nikita herself totally deserved it.