The Colorado Avalanche’s All-Star Nazem Kadri has been chasing an opportunity to show off his skills on the biggest stage for years. And when he finally got it, Kadri made sure to make it count.
Playing for the first time since thumb surgery in early June, Kadri scored an overtime goal in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals to give Avalanche a 3-2 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Kadri’s goal, which came in his career-first appearance in the Finals series, now has Colorado just one win away from lifting the Stanley Cup trophy.
“It was a rollercoaster of emotions,” Kadri said after the game. “Just thinking I was done and having a sliver of hope, and then sitting here right now is kind of surreal. I just was excited to join the team again and be in the dressing room. This is what I’ve been waiting for my entire life, so it certainly was exciting to get back into the lineup.”
Nazem Kadri is having a career year in 2021-22 that saw him score 28 goals and dish 59 assists for a total of 87 points during the regular season. These were all Kadri’s career-highs and have brought him his first All-Star appearance. Kadri has been prolific in the postseason as well, contributing with six goals and eight assists before suffering a thumb injury midway through Western Conference Finals.
Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals is scheduled for Friday night. If Avalanche wins, they will get their first championship since 2001. On the other hand, the Bolts are trying to keep their three-peat dreams alive.
