Canucks' Zadorov Sits Down Evander Kane With Brutal Hit Into Bench

Karl Rasmussen | May 13, 2024

Canucks' Nikita Zadorov lays a big hit on Oilers' Evander Kane / Screenshot via Vancouver Canucks on X

Edmonton Oilers forward Evander Kane has never been one to shy away from laying out a big hit on the ice, but it was the 32-year-old who was on the receiving end of a massive strike from Vancouver Canucks defenseman Nikita Zadorov.

During Sunday's Game 3, Zadorov caught an unsuspecting Kane with a devastating blow that sent the Oilers forward toppling over the board and into his own bench. Unfortunately, referees deemed that Zadorov used a bit too much force on the play, slapping him with a two-minute roughing minor.

Kane, a Vancouver native, was shown no love against his hometown team on Sunday night. After the veteran winger tried to make a move past the Canucks defender, Zadorov quite literally sat him down on the bench with the highlight-reel hit.

BENCHED! 😲 pic.twitter.com/LxTjvvu9Ts

— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) May 13, 2024

It was a penalty Vancouver fans would be happy to see the veteran defenseman take, as Zadorov helped maintain the momentum with his big hit in the second period, despite a trip to the penalty box.