Evan’s NHL Daily: Zadorov Hypes Up MacKinnon, McDavid Lurks

There’s one guy who has been preaching to the choir that Nathan MacKinnon is the best player in the NHL for three years now, and it’s Nikita Zadorov. So why was everyone so surprised when Zadorov made it a point on Wednesday to mention that he still thinks there’s no one he’d rather have in the NHL on his team?

Meanwhile, the “other” best player in the NHL is slowly creeping up on both MacKinnon and Nikita Kucherov in the scoring race. Connor McDavid and MacKinnon just so happen to be meeting for the first time this season later in the week, so that’ll be fun to watch.

In Vancouver, the Avalanche came from behind for the 21st time this season in an impressive victory over the top team in the West.

All that and more in this Thursday edition of Evan’s Daily.

Colorado Hockey Now

Taking a look back at the win over the Flames and just how impressive Sean Walker was.

Down 3-0 with 21 minutes left, the Avalanche staged a four goal comeback to sweep the season series with the Canucks.

Zadorov Hypes Up MacKinnon

Everyone remembers Nikita Zadorov talking about Nathan MacKinnon’s diet habits back in 2021, as that was all anyone wanted to talk about. Nobody seems to remember that in that same interview, Zadorov said that MacKinnon is the best player in the NHL.

So why were people so surprised when he said it again on Wednesday?

"If I were to build a team I'd build it around him (Nathan MacKinnon) because he's a Stanley Cup winner."

Ahead of tonight's Canucks/Avalanche matchup, Nikita Zadorov had high praise for the league leader in points. pic.twitter.com/s7yDT8irig

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) March 13, 2024

Zadorov would know better than anyone the kind of work that MacKinnon puts in. He saw it on a day-to-day basis for about five years. It seems like some around the league are starting to come around, as TSN named MacKinnon the best player in the NHL earlier in the season.

Maybe Z was just ahead of the curve.

McDavid Won’t Stop

Somehow the Avalanche haven’t had to face Connor McDavid yet this season. In the final month of the NHL season, they’ll see him plenty, as Edmonton is on the schedule three times, including this Saturday.

They’ll have to find a way to slow down the Edmonton star, who has now moved just one point behind Kucherov with 106 points. MacKinnon will have to keep up his pace to win the scoring title this year, because McDavid is coming.

Note to defense: don't give McDavid a runway to walk in and shoot 🚨 pic.twitter.com/L3OCkmkFof

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) March 14, 2024

National Hockey Now

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He eventually ended up in New Jersey, but Jake Allen was against it earlier this year.

The Red Wings are struggling, so much so that they’re fighting with each other. Hate to see it…