From Playoff Beards To Brushing Your Teeth, Nikita Zadorov Discusses The Role Superstitions Play In The NHL
Vancouver Canucks defender Nikita Zadorov discusses superstitions from around the league, and whether or not he can grow a playoff beard.
Photo by Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports - From Playoff Beards To Brushing Your Teeth, Nikita Zadorov Discusses The Role Superstitions Play In The NHLSuperstitions are prominent throughout sports. Whether it is a pre-game meal or which shoe is put on first, these superstitions become an essential part of a player's routine. Regardless of how lengthy or sometimes expensive they can be, if the routine is broken, it could result in the player losing some confidence if a poor performance follows.
Over his 11-year career, Nikita Zadorov has developed a routine that helps him for games. Overall, he isn't too superstitious, which allows him to change his routine from time to time. According to Zadorov, his main focus is getting prepared for the game in whatever way will be the most beneficial.
"I have a routine," said Zadorov. "I feel like every guy in the league has one. Mine's basic. To get myself ready physically and mentally, I eat the same food before the game and on the game days, sleep, do the cold tub, hot tub, the massages and all that. Not too superstitious, but I don't think it's gonna change for the playoffs for sure."
Over his career, Zadorov has seen some interesting superstitions from his teammates. One that seems popular is wearing the same clothes if the player is riding a hot streak. As for the most bizarre, he points to a teammate in Buffalo who focused on ensuring his teeth were clean at all times.
"I had a teammate in Buffalo who was brushing his teeth before every period. Tyler Ennis would go in front of the sink in the change room and would brush his teeth all the time. So I don't know how many times a day he would do that, but it would be a lot. I've had goalies who, if they won the game, they would wear the same suit the next game, so they keep wearing the same suit. I heard there are a couple of guys who don't change their underwear when they are scoring or something. It can get pretty weird, I would say."
Being around the NHL for as long as he has, Zadorov has seen some interesting superstitions from his opposition. While some may be simple, like how many layers of hockey tape are used to wrap a stick, others are a little more confusing, like changing equipment during a game. When asked about interesting superstitions from around the league, Zadorov was able to provide three examples that he has noticed or heard about over the past decade.
"I think the craziest one for me I think was (Evgeny) Kuznetsov. When he was in Wash(ington), every period, he would play with a different brand of stick. So you start with CCM, then go to Bauer, and then go for the third period, you go, Warrior, which is crazy for me because of totally different technologies, different feel in your hand, so some guys like to do that. You see (Nikita) Kucherov, when he doesn't score for one period, he changes from black tape to white tape. When you're watching the game, you see him do that. You see those little things as a hockey player. Sidney Crosby doesn't talk to his family on game days because every time he does, he gets hurt. It's not like I don't believe in that; I just don't really believe in luck and superstitious stuff."
Come playoff time, one superstition that is observed across the league is the playoff beard. Started by the Detroit Red Wings in 1985, players refuse to shave their facial hair until they either capture the Stanley Cup or are eliminated. When asked if Zadorov was going to participate in the tradition, he pointed out that the Vancouver Canucks would need to go a long playoff run for any progress to be made.
"I can't grow it, so I would rather shave it all the time. For me personally, it just looks horrible if I don't shave it. I haven't been deep in the playoffs. I haven't been past the second round in my career, so I don't know. Hopefully, I can grow one this year."
According to Zadorov, he isn't the only player on the team that can't grow a beard. When asked who would have the worst playoff beard this year, Zadorov pointed to Tyler Myers, who, according to the defender, can't grow facial hair. Called "Dolphins" by Ian Cole, the two defencemen will not only have to battle the opposition but also the inability to grow facial hair this postseason.
"I think that me and Mysey (Tyler Myers) are a couple of baby faces for sure. Coler's (Ian Cole) beard in Colorado got pretty long, so he's gonna do a good job. Millsy (J.T. Miller) is gonna be pretty good. I feel like it's me and Mysey cannot grow anything in here."
Overall, superstitions play a critical role in the NHL. It has even gotten to the point that fans join in, with the most common being growing playoff beards. With the 2024 Stanely Cup Playoffs upcoming, expect plenty of playoff beards at Rogers Arena as fans try to do everything they can to help the players bring the Stanley Cup to Vancouver.
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