Nikita Zadorov Dominates Matthew Schaefer and Ignites Online Reaction
Nikita Zadorov is a force both on the ice and on social media. New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer found this out the hard way during a game at UBS Arena on Thursday night. Zadorov, playing for the Boston Bruins, delivered a powerful check that left Schaefer flat on the ice.
The Incident on the Ice
About halfway through the second period, with the Islanders leading 1-0, Zadorov hammered Schaefer into the boards. As Schaefer got up, he grabbed Zadorov's stick, prompting Zadorov to shove him back down onto the ice. This sparked a melee as Islanders players rushed to defend their rookie.
- Zadorov received a minor penalty for interference.
- He was also given a double minor for roughing.
“I looked at my PIMs from last year,” Zadorov joked to reporters after the game. “I need to get them up this year.”
Fan Reactions
Following the incident, Islanders fans flooded Zadorov’s Instagram direct messages, expressing their displeasure and defending Schaefer. The confrontation highlighted the intensity of rivalry both on and off the rink.
Author's summary: Nikita Zadorov's aggressive play against Matthew Schaefer sparked a heated incident on the ice and strong reactions from Islanders fans online.