Nikita Zadorov Buries Top Pick Matthew Schaefer, Then Islanders Fans Online

Boston Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov proved again that he’s one of the league’s most imposing figures—both physically and online. His encounter with New York Islanders rookie Matthew Schaefer at UBS Arena turned into one of the most talked-about moments of the night.

The Hit That Sparked Chaos

Midway through the second period, with the Islanders leading 1–0, Zadorov delivered a powerful check on Schaefer, sending him hard into the boards. When Schaefer tried to hang on to Zadorov’s stick as he got up, the Bruins defenseman responded by shoving him back to the ice. The contact quickly escalated into a brief scuffle as Islanders teammates rushed in to defend the rookie.

Zadorov received a minor penalty for interference and a double minor for roughing.

Fans React Online

Once the dust settled, Islanders fans took the clash online, flooding Zadorov’s Instagram messages with heated comments in defense of Schaefer. The drama didn’t end with the final whistle—it simply moved to social media.

“I looked at my PIMs from last year,” Zadorov said with a grin after the game. “I need to get them up this year.”

The exchange left both teams fired up and fans debating Zadorov’s hard-nosed style well after the game ended.

Author’s Summary

Zadorov’s fierce hit on Schaefer ignited both an on-ice brawl and a storm of online reactions, reaffirming his reputation as one of hockey’s most intimidating enforcers.

Boston Hockey Now — 2025-11-05