Nikita Zadorov clashes with Islanders fans after hit on Matthew Schaefer
Boston Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov criticized New York Islanders fans following a heated encounter involving rookie Matthew Schaefer during Tuesday’s game at UBS Arena.
“Get out of my DMs and go to the rink to cheer for your team. That place was a library tonight,”
Zadorov wrote on his verified Instagram account, sharing screenshots of direct messages he received after the game.
On-ice incident
In the second period of the Islanders’ 4–3 shootout loss, Zadorov delivered a two-handed slash to the 18-year-old Schaefer behind the Bruins’ net and knocked him down again as he tried to stand up. The play sparked a scrum led by Islanders captain Anders Lee and forward Anthony Duclair. Zadorov was assessed a double-minor for roughing and two additional minutes for interference. He continued arguing with Lee while both sat in the penalty box.
Fan and team reactions
The UBS Arena crowd of 15,585 voiced their frustration with Zadorov throughout the game. Attendance ranked fourth among the team’s seven home games this season, with one sellout recorded. The Islanders organization did not comment on Zadorov’s post and skipped practice on Wednesday.
Rookie’s response
“There’s going to be battles every night,”
Schaefer remarked after the game, showing composure despite the incident.
Author’s summary
Zadorov’s clash with Schaefer and his fiery response to Islanders fans highlighted the tension both on and off the ice in an already intense matchup.