“In fact, we have everything to take the Stanley Cup. The squad and the team are so deep that anyone can score. Any link can make the game. Very good protection. We have two very strong goalkeepers. It is not even clear which of them is the first number. Goalkeeper in
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Colorado Avalanche Russian defender Nikita Zadorov used to say in an interview what he thinks, and therefore his words from an interview two weeks ago should be taken very seriously. The 193-centimeter hockey player truly believes his club can take the silver cup in a calendar-year-long season, and many experts agree with him. Avalanches are considered real contenders for the trophy.
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They partially confirmed all their optimistic predictions in the Robin Round, where they beat Dallas and the reigning champions from St. Louis, earning the second seed in the Western Conference, well, and the opening game of the first round
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Surprisingly, all of Colorado’s goals fell within a minute and a half of the second period. At first, Nazem Kadri pushed the puck from a nickle in the majority. Then his feat, but already in equal compositions, was repeated by J.T. Comfer. And Mikko Rantanen finished off “Coyotes” – here it is worth noting that Zadorov launched an effective attack with a pass in his zone.
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But the most striking episode with Zadorov’s participation happened later – 3 seconds before the final siren. Brad Richardson, a 35-year-old veteran of Arizona, behaved very bully in the fight at the side. First, he hit the Russian on the stick, then pushed, and finally tried to lower the helmet over his eyes.
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Nikita’s answer was short, but very tough and clear. The hockey player, who earned the nickname Russian Crusher in the Russian press a couple of years ago, punched Richardson in the face and discouraged him from continuing the conflict. Yes, Zadorov did not put all his strength into the blow, but that was enough.
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You just have to see how confidently and even
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