Nikita Zadorov‘s time playing in Vancouver and Calgary obviously hasn’t lent itself to a favourable view of Western Canada’s third NHL city.
As the Canucks’ second-round series against the Edmonton Oilers heads west all tied up, the six-foot-six defenceman delivered a back-handed compliment to the fans residing in the “City of Champions.”
“It’s fun. They have good fans. Diehard fans,” Zadorov told reporters about playing in Edmonton. “Pretty much nothing else to do in that city except watch hockey. So I like what they’re doing, that’s why they love their team and support them so hard.
“It’s been fun. I’ve only had good experiences there, for sure.”
Zadorov has been a difference-maker for the Canucks so far in the series against Edmonton, scoring a goal and registering an assist in both of the first two games. The 29-year-old now has four goals through eight post-season games with Vancouver, after finding the back of the net just six times during the regular season.
He is no stranger to playing in Edmonton as he has spent the past nine seasons of his 11-year career playing in the Western Conference.
So as the intensity ramps up between the Canadian rivals, Zadorov is embracing the tone the series has taken on.
“It’s getting competitive. It’s a 1-1 series going back to Edmonton. It’s only going to get (chippier),” he said. “There’s competitive guys on both sides, a lot of physicality and lots of guys who play with the edge. So that’s what we expect.”
Asked about elevating his play while being in the spotlight, Zadorov said it’s what he’s aimed for his whole career.
“It’s awesome. That’s what I’m playing for,” he said. “Competition on the highest level you can possibly find in hockey, main stage, Canada, Sportsnet and all that. You get the energy all the time and you’re just feeding from that energy and you’re trying to bring your best every night.”
You can watch Game 3 of the series Sunday on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+. Puck drop goes at 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT.
