Nikita Zadorov is not someone to provoke, either on the ice or online. This was clearly demonstrated Thursday night when Zadorov, a Boston Bruins defenseman, powerfully checked New York Islanders' Matthew Schaefer at UBS Arena.
Midway through the second period, with the Islanders holding a 1-0 lead, Zadorov delivered a forceful hit on Schaefer, driving him into the boards. Despite getting up, Schaefer clung to Zadorov’s stick, prompting Zadorov to shove him back down to the ice.
The moment escalated quickly into a scuffle as Islanders players swarmed to protect the rookie Schaefer. Zadorov received a minor penalty for interference and a double minor for roughing.
“I looked at my PIMs from last year,” Zadorov joked to reporters on Long Island. “I need to get them up this year.”
Following the game, Islanders fans flooded Zadorov’s direct Instagram messages in defense of Schaefer, showing the intensity extended beyond the rink.
Zadorov’s aggressive play and quick retaliation highlight his imposing presence and relentless style both on the ice and social media.