Vancouver Canucks defenseman Nikita Zadorov, a Russian skater known for his size and heavy shot, registered his second career multi-goal game and his first in the regular season this season, helping the Canucks to a 4-1 win over the Montreal Canadiens. The night belonged to Zadorov from the opening puck drop as he struck twice in the first period, signaling a strong performance that would set the tone for Vancouver.
Early in the game, Zadorov put his imprint on the scoreboard by scoring the opening goals, and he added another before the period ended. By 17:07 of the first frame, he had fired five shots and followed with a decisive power move that yielded a clear advantage for his team. The performance earned him the first star of the evening, a recognition that underscored how pivotal his two-goal surge proved. Across 64 games this season, Zadorov has accumulated 18 points (6 goals, 12 assists) and carries a plus-five rating, reflecting his contribution to a Canucks squad that values his two-way presence on the blue line.
Since his trade from the Calgary Flames, Zadorov has continued to be a reliable option for Vancouver, contributing not just goals but also a steady defensive game that helps drive the team’s competitive edge in the Pacific Division. His versatility is a key ingredient for a Canucks squad aiming to capitalize on breakouts and sustain offensive pressure through the middle of the ice. In addition to his scoring, Zadorov’s leadership on the ice has been evident in how he supports teammates in the cycle and when transitioning from defense to offense.
Fellow Vancouver forwards played their parts as well. Ilya Mikheev, who has been involved in the playmaking chain all season, earned two assists, aiding Zadorov on both of his goals and reinforcing the team’s depth on the offensive end. Vasily Podkolzin also supplied an assist in the later stages of the game, securing his first NHL point of the season as he solidified his role in the Canucks’ forward group. The combined effort from the forward unit complemented Zadorov’s impact from the blue line, creating scoring chances and maintaining pressure against Montreal.
With the victory, Vancouver extended its strong positioning in the Pacific Division and the Western Conference, pushing the team toward a historically competitive point total for the season. The Canucks now sit near the top of the standings as they prepare for the next matchup against Calgary, which was on the schedule for the following day’s early morning Moscow time, demonstrating the global reach of the NHL and the cross-continental interest in the league’s fixtures.
In other action, Kucherov added to his season totals after a prior four-point outing, contributing to a Tampa Bay win that underscored the breadth of talent across the league. This broader context helps illustrate how individual performances like Zadorov’s can influence not only a single game but also a team’s trajectory during a pivotal stretch of the season. Analysts and fans alike recognize that a multi-goal game by a defenseman can swing momentum, catalyze line changes, and energize a squad as it hunts for postseason positioning. The Vancouver squad, guided by a mix of veteran presence and rising talents, continues to pursue strong showings night after night, with Zadorov’s latest performance acting as a tangible example of that balance in action.