Nikita Zadorov has just one assist since coming to Vancouver from the Calgary Flames, but his presence is being felt on the ice.
In a Sunday afternoon tilt with the Chicago Connor Bedard-Hawks, the towering defenceman took exception to a hit by Chicago's Reese Johnston landed on Elias Pettersson.
The Chicago forward played the pest role in the game, and Zadorov had enough after seeing a healthy run at Pettersson.
The big Russian landed a couple punches and the takedown in the fight, but he was also given a two minute instigator penalty on the play. The Blackhawks scored on the ensuing power play, so while not ideal for Zadorov his teammates will appreciate that he has their backs.
Pettey addressed the events in his post game interview and it says it all:
