Nikita Zadorov Buries Top Pick Matthew Schaefer, Then Islanders Fans Online
Nikita Zadorov proved once again that he is not someone to take lightly — either on the ice or on social media. On Thursday night at UBS Arena, the Boston Bruins defenseman delivered a crushing hit on New York Islanders rookie Matthew Schaefer, making a strong impression in more ways than one.
The play unfolded midway through the second period, with the Islanders leading the Bruins 1–0. Zadorov finished a heavy check on Schaefer, driving him hard into the boards. As Schaefer tried to get up, he held onto Zadorov’s stick, prompting Zadorov to push him back down. The contact sparked a heated scrum, as Schaefer’s teammates rushed in to defend him.
Zadorov received a minor penalty for interference and a double minor for roughing following the altercation.
“I looked at my PIMs from last year,” Zadorov joked afterward. “I need to get them up this year.”
After the game, Islanders fans bombarded Zadorov’s social media with angry messages defending their young defenseman, but the veteran didn’t seem phased by the online drama.
Author Summary
Boston’s Nikita Zadorov made headlines for a fierce hit on Islanders rookie Matthew Schaefer and his playful response to fan backlash afterward.