Vancouver Canucks defender Nikita Zadorov commented on what he thought of Carson Soucy's suspension.
Vancouver Canucks defender Nikita Zadorov commented on what he thought of Carson Soucy's suspension.
Nikita Zadorov dropped yet another astounding quote on Tuesday, this time calling out NHL Player Safety. The Vancouver Canucks defender was asked about Carson Soucy's suspension and used it as an opportunity to question how the league determines what is subject to supplementary discipline. Soucy was suspended for one game after cross-checking Connor McDavid at the end of Game 3, while Zadorov was fined $5,000 for also delivering a cross-check to the Edmonton Oilers captain.
Zadorov's frustration with the league may have come as a result of no players on the Oilers receiving supplementary discipline. After the game had concluded, McDavid deployed a two-hand slash on Soucy while Zach Hyman cross-checked Zadorov in the face, which cut the Canucks defender. As mentioned, though, Hyman did not receive any fine or suspension, despite directly targeting Zadorov's head and doing the same action the NHL deemed was dangerous and suspension-worthy just a few seconds prior.
The most pointed part of Zadorov's answer comes at the end when he says, "At the end of the day, they have to protect their investment." It is clear Zadorov is frustrated by NHL Player Safety, and he is not alone. Fans from around the league have questioned the decision-making of George Parros and his team, especially this postseason. While dangerous slew-foots, spears, cross-checks and punches to the head have gone unpunished, the second an incident happens with McDavid, it results in multiple players hearing from the disciplinary committee. The inconsistency of NHL Player Safety's ruling is apparent and deserves to be called out by the fans and players.
Vancouver and Edmonton are back in action on Tuesday night for Game 4. With a win, the Canucks would head back home with a chance to close out the series in front of their home fans on Thursday night. Game time is set for 6:30 pm PT from Rogers Place.
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