Bruins’ Nikita Zadorov Trolls Islanders Fans After Schaeffer Incident
Nikita Zadorov continued to provoke Islanders fans even after leaving the ice at UBS Arena. The Bruins defenseman responded on social media after receiving numerous direct messages from Islanders supporters following his altercation with rookie Matthew Schaeffer during the Islanders’ 4-3 shootout defeat.
Zadorov’s Social Media Response
On his Instagram Story, Zadorov posted screenshots of messages he received, with fans calling him names like “scumbag” and worse. He replied:
“Get out of my DMs and go to the rink to cheer for your team. THAT PLACE WAS A [LIBRARY] TONIGHT!!!”
Details of the On-Ice Incident
The incident occurred in the second period when Zadorov pushed Schaeffer with his stick, knocking the rookie to the ice. As Schaeffer tried to get up, Zadorov shoved him back down high. This sparked a response from Islanders players, including Anthony Duclair and captain Anders Lee, who rushed to defend Schaeffer, followed by others on the ice.
Penalty and Post-Game Comments
- Zadorov was penalized with a double minor for roughing and two minutes for interference.
- After the game, he joked about wanting to increase his penalty minutes from the last season.
- He also poked fun at the Islanders' fans regarding the quiet crowd noise inside UBS Arena.
Author’s summary: Nikita Zadorov stirred controversy by taunting Islanders fans online and escalating tensions on the ice during a heated game featuring rookie Matthew Schaeffer.