In nearly 14 minutes of even-strength ice time, the pair controlled more than 70% of the shot attempts, along with two-thirds of the scoring chances (6-3) and high-danger looks (2-1).
They also combined for three points, with Zadorov sniping the game-tying marker late in the third period to help the Flames extend to a nine-game point streak. Gudbranson had an assist, firing a shot that was blocked, but led to Milan Lucic's second-period tally.
Through 10 games, the veteran is averaging 17:36 of ice time and has four helpers, is a 54.4% possession player, and has a plus-three rating with 16 shots on goal.
To say he's been 'good' would be a massive understatement.
"I felt really good about (signing in Calgary) and that's why I'm here," Gudbranson said. "It was a big reason was the way this team was being built, the coaching staff, goaltender, the city.
"I was super excited when I had the opportunity to come here. We're playing really well. We've challenged ourselves every single day. I don't know how many practices you guys have watched, but our practices are effective and when they're not, we're told that they're not. So, this group tries to squeeze as much as we possibly
can out of every day and it's fun to be a part of.
"I don't want to say we're a defensive-minded team to begin with, but we're very thorough when it comes to that and that helps me be effective. From that, I've been getting some good offensive looks that have resulted in some stuff, so continuing to get better at that is really suiting my game well."
Gudbranson - who met Darryl Sutter when he was with the Anaheim Ducks in 2019-20 - has been the posterchild for the 'Sutter Brand' this year.
He's moved the puck well, plays a physical game in all three zones, and is one of the top leaders in the Flames dressing room.
Check.
Check.
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The goal is not only to win games, but to make the old-school Scotiabank Saddledome a tough place to play. Come playoff time, that advantage could prove crucial.
Certainly, Gudbranson is doing his part to make that a reality.
"The mentality is that if you're going to win here, you're going to have to beat us every night," he said. "Consistently, for 60 or 65 minutes, making those little battles difficult, every single inch of the game, you're going to have to beat me to create something.
"There's a lot of preparation that goes into that, a lot of detail - so many little things that if you do it consistently over 65 minutes, we can make it very, very difficult for teams to come in and win here."
Tonight, the Flames will face a very good Rangers team that is coming off a back-and-forth, 6-5 overtime loss to the Edmonton Oilers last night.
The Flames have lost back-to-back OT decisions at the 'Dome this week, so getting back in the win column is Job 1.
But the difference between this year and last? They're staying in games and are squeezing out points.
And players like Gudbranson are a big reason why.
"All the wins we've had, they've been by committee," Gudbranson said. "Different guys on different nights have stepped up and have brought home two points for us. Whether that be our goaltender, good defending, great powerplay, good penalty kill - or one particular line that takes the game over and tilts the ice, there's been a different reason for every win that we have and that's really good news.
"When different parts of your lineup can step up, take the game over and create momentum for you.
"That's a good sign going forward, but there's a long way to go and a lot of work done between now and then."
