Bruins’ Nikita Zadorov Trolls Islanders Fans After Schaefer Incident
After leaving the ice at UBS Arena, Boston Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov continued stirring things up with the New York Islanders community. Following a heated clash with rookie Matthew Schaefer during the Islanders’ 4–3 shootout loss, Zadorov took to social media to mock Islanders fans.
According to posts he shared, several fans had messaged him on Instagram to criticize his rough play. Zadorov responded publicly by sharing screenshots of the messages, many of which included insults and name-calling.
“Get out of my DMs and go to the rink to cheer for your team. THAT PLACE WAS A [LIBRARY] TONIGHT!!!”
The altercation itself began midway through the second period, when Zadorov used his stick to shove Schaefer, sending the rookie to the ice. As Schaefer tried to get back up, Zadorov gave him another heavy push. This sparked immediate reactions from Anthony Duclair, Islanders captain Anders Lee, and several other teammates, all rushing to defend the young defenseman.
Zadorov was assessed a double minor for roughing and an additional two minutes for interference. After the game, he joked about trying to increase his penalty minutes this season and took another playful shot at Islanders fans for the quiet crowd atmosphere.
Author’s Summary
Zadorov turned a tense on-ice encounter into online banter, taunting Islanders fans on Instagram and fueling rivalry drama beyond the rink.