Canucks' Nikita Zadorov ejected and facing suspension for boarding

Just moments ago, Vancouver Canucks Nikita Zadorov was ejected from their game against the Vegas Golden Knights after boarding Brett Howden. He received a 5-minute major penalty along with a game misconduct. A possible suspension could be in line.

The boarding occurred right at the end of the first period when Bowden who had his back facing the open ice was creamed into the boards by Zadarov. His reaction was of disbelief and the referees acted quickly by sending him to the dressing room for the remainder of the night.

This was the first game that that are of played since March 28th when the Canucks played the Dallas Stars. It's quite possible that this is a load management move by the Canucks as the team is cruising to the playoffs and is not wanting to see their defenseman injured. However, through his last five games he has only amassed two goals and four penalty minutes.



Zadorov has never been shy in speaking his mind and telling the world on how he feels.

. Recently, when the Canucks took on the Oilers, he decided to take is shot at Connor McDavid as he stated in a media scrum prior to the game that he would choose his former teammate Nathan MacKinnon as his leader to build a team rather than McDavid. It's clear that his battles of Alberta when he spent his time with the Calgary Flames have not shied away from his memory.

The Canucks will need to wait and see on whether their prized defenseman will face disciplinary action from the NHL players and safety department and could face a fine or a suspension for this careless play.