Sabres prospects continue to roll in Traverse City as Zadorov pots game-winner in OT

Defenseman Nikita Zadorov scored the second of his two goals with :22 left in OT to push the Sabres prospects to within one point of defending their title on Monday.

Nicholas Baptiste had two goals and an assist vs. the Rangers to bring his point total to a team leading four for the tournament. The 6'1" 190 winger got behind NY's defense and scored on a nifty move in the first period to tie the game at one. His second goal was a tap-in from 2013 7th-round pick (#189) Eric Locke on a two-on-one.

Baptiste and Locke would break in on goal a mere :22 later on another two-on-one. This time Locke kept the puck and went five-hole for his first goal of the tournament. He added two assists for a three-point afternoon.

Oscar Lindberg had the hat trick for the Rangers. Lindberg was drafted 57th overall in 2010 by Phoenix and was traded to NY for Ethan Werek (#47, 2009) in May, 2011. This is his first year in North America after coming over from his native Sweden.

Next up for Buffalo is Carolina on Sunday. One point will get them into the finals vs. the host Detroit Red Wings on Monday. The Wings have already secured their spot in the championship game.


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When the Sabres drafted Zadorov with the 16th pick, many bristled with excitement at his draft presser when he said with a smile, "I really like to hit."

What got lost in the excitement of the Sabres landing the 6'5" 228 lb. defenseman who embodies "tougher to play against" is his offensive game.

In addition to his love of physicality, Zadorov called himself a two-way player who likes to "shoot and score goals."  He played mostly defense on the back end in Russia, but coming over to North America opened the door for some offense and we're starting to see a glimpse of his offensive upside.

He had six goals and 25 points in 63 games for the London Knights last season after posting only two goals and six points in 41 games for HC CSKA U-18 Russia. He also had two goals in five games for the OHL Champion Knights in the 2013 Memorial Cup.

The big defenseman with a burgeoning offensive game who "loves to hit" looks to be turning into a fan favorite in Buffalo if he hasn't already.

Zadorov is very humble, a trait almost any fan (especially Buffalonians) embrace, and he's very grateful for the opportunity to play in the NHL, his stated dream.

Zadorov's joy at being drafted
and playful smile
come out at his NHL Draft presser.

He was genuinely thankful to those who helped him get to the draft podium back in June. And after the game yesterday, he thanked his teammates when talking about his game-winning goal, "It was my first overtime goal in North America, first overtime goal in Buffalo." he said, "I'm so excited. I want to thank every guy. Everyone played pretty good today and we won this game."

Zadorov is also having a ball right now simply living his dream. He has an infectious personality and playful, humorous side that's reminiscent of former Sabres' goalie and fan-favorite, Martin Biron.

When WGR's Paul Hamilton asked him about his game-winning goal--a blast from the point on the powerplay--he said, "I just closed my eyes and shoot."

"You didn't pick a spot?" asked Hamilton, chuckling, yet mildly bewildered.

"No, I'm kidding," beamed Zadorov. "I saw the net and just scored a goal."



2012 first-round pick Zemgus Girgensons
gets pulled into Zadorov's infectious personality
and sense of humor at Sabres Development Camp.
(via WGR 550)

Yesterday's highlights.

Nick Baptiste postgame