Bruins’ Nikita Zadorov Trolls Islanders Fans Over Schaeffer Incident
Nikita Zadorov continued to rile up Islanders fans even after leaving the ice at UBS Arena. The Bruins defenseman took to social media to mock Islanders supporters who messaged him on Instagram following his altercation with rookie Matthew Schaeffer during the Islanders’ 4-3 shootout loss.
Social Media Exchange
Zadorov shared screenshots of direct messages from fans, who insulted him with various names. He replied on his Instagram Story:
“Get out of my DMs and go to the rink to cheer for your team. THAT PLACE WAS A [LIBRARY] TONIGHT!!!”
Details of the Incident
The confrontation occurred mid-second period when Zadorov pushed Schaeffer with his stick, knocking him to the ice. As Schaeffer tried to stand, Zadorov shoved him back down, prompting Islanders players Anthony Duclair and captain Anders Lee to defend their teammate. Other Islanders then joined in the heated moment.
Zadorov was penalized with a double minor for roughing and a two-minute interference penalty.
Zadorov’s Post-Game Comments
After the game, Zadorov joked about his penalty minutes from the previous season, expressing a desire to increase those numbers. He also teased Islanders fans about the quiet crowd noise during the game at UBS Arena.
“That place was a library tonight,” he implied about the lack of fan energy.
His playful provocations highlight the ongoing rivalry and intensity between the Bruins and Islanders.
Summary: Nikita Zadorov fanned the flames of rivalry by trolling Islanders fans on social media after a physical altercation with rookie Matthew Schaeffer, highlighting his bold on-ice and off-ice antics.