Nikita Zadorov Outmatches Matthew Schaefer and Provokes Islanders Fans
Nikita Zadorov is someone you definitely don't want to challenge, whether in the rink or on social media. New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer found this out the hard way Thursday night after the Boston Bruins' physical defenseman delivered a crushing hit at UBS Arena. Islanders fans also felt the impact, flooding Zadorov's Instagram direct messages to defend Schaefer.
The Incident
During the second period, with the Islanders leading 1-0, Zadorov executed a strong check, slamming Schaefer hard into the boards. When Schaefer rose, he clutched Zadorov's stick. In response, Zadorov pushed Schaefer back down onto the ice.
Immediate Aftermath
Tension quickly escalated as players from both teams rushed to protect Schaefer. Zadorov received a minor penalty for interference and a double minor for roughing.
“I looked at my PIMs from last year,” Zadorov joked to reporters on Long Island afterward. “I need to get them up this year.”
Social Media Reaction
Following the play, Islanders fans bombarded Zadorov’s Instagram with messages defending their rookie defenseman, showing how the event stirred significant online attention.
Author's summary: Nikita Zadorov’s forceful play against Matthew Schaefer sparked on-ice chaos and a fierce online response from Islanders fans.