Flames' Zadorov avoids suspension after hearing with NHL

May 14 2022, 10:14 pm

Nikita Zadorov won’t miss a critical Game 7 of the Calgary Flames’ opening-round series against the Dallas Stars after he avoided suspension Saturday.

Zadorov, who had a hearing with NHL Player Safety earlier Saturday, was questionable after an illegal check to the head of Stars forward Luke Glendening prompted a talk with the league.

“After thoroughly reviewing all available video and following a telephone hearing today, the Department of Player Safety has determined that there will be no supplemental discipline assessed to Calgaryā€™s Nikita Zadorov for his hit against Dallasā€™ Luke Glendening,” the league wrote in a release.

Zadorov, who stands at 6’5″, hit Glendening high early in the second period of an eventual 4-2 loss in Game 6 that will force a do-or-die finale at the Saddledome on Sunday.

No penalty was assessed on the play.

ā€œIt was a hockey play,” Flames coach Darryl Sutter told media Saturday. “I totally disagree there should be a hearing when there has been slew-foots in this series.ā€

Glendening cleared concussion protocol Friday but sustained a lower-body injury on the hit, according to Stars reporter Mike Heika.

The heated series has seen plenty of penalties, and a pair of fines to Stars forward Jamie Benn.

Zadorov has two assists and a +1 rating in six games in the series. Heā€™s averaging 16:26 of ice time per game.

Game 7 goes Sunday at the Saddledome.

Aaron VickersAaron Vickers

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