There are multiple forms of revenge available in hockey.
One is to cross-check your opponent up high after an empty-net slapshot. Another? Mock their goal celebration while you serve their team a loss.
The latter is the kind of revenge Vancouver Canucks defenceman Nikita Zadorov went for Thursday during his team's 4-1 win over the Detroit Red Wings.
Context is, of course, important here. Five days ago, the Canucks were beat 4-3 by the Red Wings in overtime after Jake Walman scored the game-winner for his side on a penalty shot. To celebrate, the Detroit defenceman hit the "Griddy."
So, with the Canucks up 3-1 in the third period on Thursday, Zadorov decided to poke a little bit of fun at his opponent. As he skated by the Red Wings' bench after a whistle, Zadorov mimicked Walman's goal celebration from the previous game.
While Zadorov's execution of the move was not exactly smooth, it surely infuriated Walman, especially since he had already headed to the bench, visibly angry. Zadorov pulled out the moves as Walman complained to the referees about being on the receiving end of a high stick from Vancouver forward Nils Hoglander.
But, again, the Canucks got the last laugh as shortly afterward they scored again to make it 4-1 before ultimately sealing the win.
Asked after the game about his version of the Griddy, Zadorov told reporters, “I’m not as good as the guys in red at doing that."
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