Bruins’ Nikita Zadorov Trolls Islanders Fans After Schaeffer Incident
Nikita Zadorov continued to stir up controversy off the ice following the Bruins’ game at UBS Arena. The defenseman mocked Islanders fans on social media after several reached out to him via Instagram DMs, criticizing him for his actions against rookie Matthew Schaeffer during the Islanders’ 4-3 shootout loss.
Zadorov’s Response to Islanders Fans
“Get out of my DMs and go to the rink to cheer for your team,” Zadorov wrote in an Instagram Story post. “THAT PLACE WAS A [LIBRARY] TONIGHT!!!”
He shared screenshots of insulting messages, presumably from Islanders supporters, calling him derogatory names.
The On-Ice Incident
The altercation occurred in the second period when Zadorov used his stick to shove Matthew Schaeffer, knocking the rookie to the ice. When Schaeffer tried to rise, Zadorov pushed him back down forcefully.
This sparked a reaction from Islanders players Anthony Duclair and captain Anders Lee, who rushed to defend Schaeffer, followed by other teammates joining the fray.
Penalties and Aftermath
- Zadorov was given a double minor penalty for roughing and an additional two minutes for interference.
- After the game, he jokingly remarked about wanting to increase his penalty minutes compared to last season.
- He also mocked the low noise level from Islanders fans inside UBS Arena.
Author's summary: Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov provoked Islanders fans online after a physical encounter with rookie Schaeffer led to penalties and a heated response on ice and social media.