Goal-scoring drought was starting to get to Blackhawks' D-man Zadorov
When Nikita Zadorov's NHL career is over, he really ought to consider going into standup comedy.
One of the most entertaining and relaxed players on the Blackhawks, Zadorov has hit us with a steady flow of amusing one-liners all season.
He was at it again Tuesday when it was pointed out he could have been a pretty big story after the Hawks' 7-2 win over Detroit Sunday - if it wasn't for a certain superstar stealing the limelight.
Without a second of hesitation, a smiling, chuckling Zadorov deadpanned: "Feel like my (first) goal with the Blackhawks was a bigger story than Kaner's 400th.
"Right?"
What wasn't amusing to the big defenseman was watching his goal drought grow to 39 games in the regular season.
"It was about time," said Zadorov, who opened the scoring at 11:40 of the first period with a wicked blast that easily beat Thomas Greiss to the blocker side. "It was getting in my head a little bit the last couple games (I) couldn't score a goal, so it was nice to get it done.
"It was a great look from (David Kampf) and I joined the rush. ... Made a great shot. So keep it going now."
Zadorov came to the Hawks from Colorado in the Brandon Saad trade last off-season. He's been up and down defensively, but does bring a physical element to the back end the Hawks sorely need.
The 6-foot-6, 235-pound Russian was a decent goal scorer with the Avs, netting 18 in 211 games over the last three seasons. He was hoping those numbers would increase a bit with the Hawks, which is why he was disappointed that his first 25 shots all failed to connect.
Now, maybe the floodgates will open a bit.
"You get chances to join the rush as the fourth, fifth guy all the time, and if the forwards are making good plays, you get those opportunities," Zadorov said. "For me, the past 10 to 12 games, I was getting lots of chances to create offense. I'm enjoying that.
"It's fun to be with the puck the whole game and then create something on the other end when you link up with Kaner or any other line. (Coming into the season) it was a bigger thing, for sure, to get more involved offensively."
Power play work
The Hawks spent about 20 minutes working on the power play at practice Tuesday as they get set to host Tampa Bay for three straight games this week. Dominik Kubalik and Pius Suter replaced Ryan Carpenter and Carl Soderberg on the top unit. Patrick Kane was at the point instead of his customary shooting spot just outside the right faceoff dot.
"We've had him up there in some of the rotations ... so it's not really a new thing," said coach Jeremy Colliton. "It's an interesting look for us. The key is we're trying to get everyone moving, and that's one way to do it. He's played up top on the 5-on-3 as well, so we know he can do it up there, and he seems to have some fun."
The Hawks have had just 3 power-play opportunities the last three games.
Cone of silence
Coach Jeremy Colliton had no update on Andrew Shaw or Dylan Strome, both of whom are in concussion protocol. He also had little to add about Brent Seabrook (back), other than say the defenseman has "been on the ice a few times." Asked if Seabrook is working with trainers, Colliton only said: "I mean, that's all the update I have for you."