Calgary Flames

Zadorov Calls Out Flames Players, Slams Former Coach Excuse

Nikita Zadrov blasted his Flames teammates for a lack of team play and called anyone using the former coach as an excuse to snap out of it.

by
NHL Trade Talk
October 24, 2023

In a candid and straightforward assessment of the Calgary Flames’ performance so far this season, defenseman Nikita Zadorov didn’t mince words during a recent interview. Expressing his frustration about the way the players on his team are responding to changes, Zadorov emphasized the team’s struggle to unite cohesively on the ice. Pointing out the lack of teamwork and individualistic play among the players, he said there are no more excuses and they need to decide what kind of team they want to be.

Nikita Zadorov called out the Flames for not working as a team

He noted, “We’re only six games into the season and we’re trying to figure out who wants to be here, who wants to play for who.” “We’re just not working as a unit. We have too many individuals playing as themselves. We have to figure out if we wanna play as a team or play as our own guy.” When asked how you hold people accountable and if that’s uncomfortable situation, he responded you need to be uncomfortable in your life if you want to grow and improve. “We can’t feel sorry for ourselves. Come back, time difference, who cares? Just go out there and play.”

Zadorov acknowledged the absence of excuses this season, highlighting the departure of former coach Darryl Sutter. It’s not clear he was in agreement that the coach was the issue, or if he was simply pointing out that the team used Sutter as a scapegoat, and now they can’t He challenged the team to adapt to and stop looking for reasons to not come together. Despite the team’s current position within the playoff race in the Pacific Division, Zadorov emphasized the significance of unity and effort in the highly competitive NHL.

Zadorov is Setting a Tone Early

Known for his leadership, physicality, and dedication, Zadorov’s remarks shed light on the Flames’ internal challenges and the urgency to address them. It’s not as though the Flames are out of anything so early in the year, but he’s not waiting for things to get worse before speaking up.

Zadorov’s call for unity and hard work serves as a rallying cry, reminding the Flames of the simplicity of success – a collective, dedicated effort left on the ice. It will be fascinating to see how the Flames, currently in a tight race within the Pacific Division, will respond.

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