Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Nikita Zaitsev couldn't fully enjoy Tuesday's 2-1 shootout win over the Sharks as he was knocked out from the game with an undisclosed injury. The Russian rearguard logged less than nine minutes of ice time in the contest. Chicago returns to action Wednesday versus Buffalo, and Zaitsev should be considered questionable for the game. The Blackhawks would mostly miss Zaitsev's physical presence, as he has registered 39 hits and 52 blocks in 26 appearances this season. Offensively, Zaitsev has helped out with two goals and five assists.
Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Nikita Zaitsev (personal) has been activated from the non-roster list ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Sabres. The 32-year-old spent some time away from the team to deal with a personal issue but is good to go again and available for selection. Chicago hasn't used Zaitsev much this season, with the Russian blue-liner appearing in only five games. He's impressively produced a plus-four rating with 10 hits and eight blocks but has only one point on his account. In a corresponding move, the Blackhawks have sent Filip Roos back to the minors.
Ottawa Senators defenseman Nikita Zaitsev suffered a lower-body injury against Boston on Tuesday and will be out "for the next little bit." Zaitsev boasts only three points in 19 games this season, but the Senators rearguards have dropped like flies lately, and he has been an important part of the group, accompanying Thomas Chabot on the first defensive pairing. Jacob Bernard-Docker (ankle) is now set to take over Zaitsev's role. The 22-year-old has been out for over a month with a high-ankle sprain, but he has been back at practice and looks set to rejoin the lineup Thursday against Washington.
Ottawa Senators defenseman Nikita Zaitsev has been ruled out for four weeks with a heel injury. The Russian blue-liner was hurt early in Thursday's 2-1 loss to Tampa. Zaitsev has notched just two points this season with 45 hits and 40 blocks, and he doesn't carry a lot of fantasy value, but Senators head coach D.J. Smith has called him an elite defender and an underrated player, so it's a major blow for the team. Smith has also liked how Zaitsev has played with Thomas Chabot, and the Russian's absence could have a negative effect on his game. Jacob Bernard-Docker is set to fill the empty spot in the lineup on Saturday against Philadelphia.
Nikita Zaitsev Leaves Game With Lower-Body Injury Thursday
Ottawa Senators defenseman Nikita Zaitsev suffered an early lower-body injury in Thursday's game at the Tampa Bay Lightning. He left the contest and did not return. Currently, Zaitsev is expected to be listed as day-to-day. The defenseman had been playing more and more. He averaged over 22 minutes a game over the past five contests. Also, Zaitsev had 11 hits and 10 blocked shots in that span with a half-dozen scoring chances. He may have just a goal and assist on the season, but the defenseman has played decently despite just 38% zone deployment. How long he is out for may determine if Ottawa tries to find a replacement or not.
