Buffalo Sabres pick Nikita Zadorov scores sweet short-handed goal in OHL playoffs (VIDEO)

Buffalo sports fans can use a pick-me-up only like always, and their first-round draft choice Nikita Zadorov furnished one on Tuesday. For many others, it might just be a reminder of how life is unfair.

A 6-foot-5, 228-pound defenceman whose birth certificate says he won't turn 19 until April is supposed to be stopping one-on-one rushes, not turning defenders inside out to score splendid short-handed goals during the Ontario Hockey League playoffs. The Knights had three shorties during their 10-2 win over the Windsor Spitfires, none more prettier than Zadorov's marker where he used his reach to swoosh around Montreal Canadiens-drafted centre Brady Vail and zip a backhand into the far corner by goalie Dalen Kuchmey.

Not b

Vail, granted, was in the unfavourable position of being a forward who was the last defender back against a short-handed rush, but keep in mind he filled in as a defenceman for the Spitfires last season. That only helped so much.

Zadorov, who began the season with the Sabres before returning to London to get more seasoning, has been stellar. The massive and mobile Muscovite had 11 goals and 30 points over 36 games from his defence spot, and already have five points in three playoff contests.

The Knights' chances of winning a third consecutive OHL title might be in flux with starting goalie Anthony Stolarz possibly facing a stiff suspension for slashing an opponent in the head on Wednesday. The given is that with the Knights being the Memorial Cup host, Buffalo fans who are a roughing week with the sad news about Bills owner Ralph Wilson and the great quarterback Jim Kelly will be able to watch Zadorov in May and imagine better days ahead.

Neate Sager is a writer for Yahoo! Canada Sports. Follow him on Twitter @neatebuzzthenet (video: TV Cogeco Ontario).