Bruins’ Nikita Zadorov Trolls Islanders Fans Over Matthew Schaeffer Incident
Nikita Zadorov continued to provoke the Islanders and their supporters even after leaving the ice at UBS Arena. The Bruins defenseman used social media to mock Isles fans who sent him direct messages on Instagram following his confrontation with rookie Matthew Schaeffer during the Islanders’ 4-3 shootout defeat.
Social Media Reaction
Zadorov posted screenshots of DMs from presumed Islanders fans calling him derogatory names. He responded:
“Get out of my DMs and go to the rink to cheer for your team. THAT PLACE WAS A [LIBRARY] TONIGHT!!!”
On-Ice Incident Description
The clash occurred in the middle of the second period when Zadorov shoved Schaeffer with his stick, knocking the rookie to the ice. As Schaeffer tried to rise, Zadorov forcefully pushed him down again. This sparked Islanders Anthony Duclair and captain Anders Lee to rush in and defend Schaeffer, followed by other Islanders players.
Zadorov received a double minor penalty for roughing and two minutes for interference.
Post-Game Comments
After the game, Zadorov humorously remarked about his penalty minutes from last season and expressed a desire to increase them this year. He also took a jab at Islanders fans regarding the quiet crowd atmosphere inside UBS Arena.
“The incident with Schaeffer happened in the middle of the second period... I want to raise my numbers.”
Author’s summary: Nikita Zadorov’s mix of physical play and social media banter fueled a heated reaction from Islanders fans after an intense game moment involving rookie Matthew Schaeffer.