Nikita Zadorov's hard hit on Scott Laughton triggered a fight in Toronto during the game against the Maple Leafs. Known for standing by his own code, Zadorov responded firmly when Jordan Greenway refused to fight him earlier after a hit that injured Elias Lindholm.
In the second period, Zadorov delivered a powerful check that knocked veteran Scott Laughton off his feet and forced him out of the game. Shortly after, when Bobby McMann challenged him, Zadorov accepted the fight without hesitation.
“Zadorov lived up to the unwritten rules he championed against Buffalo,” referring to his insistence on accountability on the ice.
The aggressive exchanges highlighted Zadorov's commitment to his personal code of conduct in hockey confrontations.
Author’s summary: Nikita Zadorov stayed true to his own tough hockey standards, responding decisively to challenges and enforcing respect through physical play.