Cizikas anchored his line with Cal Ritchie and Shabanov – providing veteran leadership to two rookies in the league. The trio was effective in finding chemistry quickly, racking up seven total points (3G, 4A) in the game.
“That’s what we’ve done well together, we keep a tight triangle and we’re there to support each other, taking care of our end when we need to,” Cizikas said.
Ritchie, who earned the Iron Man Mask in Tuesday’s 3-2 win over the Dallas Stars, was happy to pass it off to his linemate and mentor. The 20-year-old center has learned a lot from Cizikas in a short span.
“He brings so much energy to the team,” Ritchie said. “In between shifts I’m always asking him questions, trying to figure out what the right play was. I look over video with him. He’s been great to play with, a great teacher for me.”