Former Calgary Flames Zadorov, Lindholm Making Impact in Second Round of NHL Playoffs

Physical Vancouver Canucks defenceman and hot scoring centre hitting Edmonton Oilers where it hurts

A pair of Calgary Flames are playing big roles in the second round of the NHL playoffs. If the locals are getting any enjoyment out of it, it's only because they're playing a shared enemy in the Edmonton Oilers. 

Elias Lindholm has a hot hand in the series with three goals in the three games of the matchup, including a pair in the 4-3 win in Edmonton on Sunday to give his Vancouver Canucks a 2-1 lead in the seven-game series. 

Zadorov, who has scored twice in the three contests against the Oilers, is also making a physical impact with some questionable antics that had Oilers fans riled up at the end of Game 3. It was teammate Carson Soucy who took the cross-checking penalty on superstar Connor McDavid at time expired, but the stick only made contact with Connor's face because of the preceding crosscheck in the back from Zadorov — which crumpled the Oilers captain just as Soucy was shoving some lumber up high after an exchange of slashes with McDavid. 

For his part, Zadorov received a $5,000 fine. Soucy got an in-person hearing with the NHL watchdog. 

Zadorov's physical presence helped wear down the Nashville Predators in the first round and is definitely grabbing the attention of the Oilers in the second. His biggest complaint before requesting a trade during the regular season was a lack of opportunity and ice time with the Calgary Flames. He's getting that now with around 20 minutes a night. 

He had two goals in the opening round victory and has another in the first three against the Oilers. 

The scoresheet is where Lindholm is making his mark. He had a rough season with the Flames and things were up and down with the Canucks after the blockbuster trade, too. But the veteran pivot was picked up in part because of his playoff past. With five goals in his nine 2024 playoff games, the Swede has 24 points (13-11) in 36 career playoff games.

His contributions have been timely for Vancouver so far this spring. The Flames connection should continue to be an interesting one to watch.