Bruins’ Nikita Zadorov Upholds His Own Rules in Maple Leafs Fight
Nikita Zadorov's hit on Scott Laughton sparked a fight during the Toronto game. The Bruins defenseman stayed true to the unwritten rules he advocated earlier against Buffalo.
Zadorov took issue when Jordan Greenway declined to fight after the Sabres’ big hit injured Elias Lindholm. Later, when Zadorov's second-period check knocked Maple Leafs veteran Scott Laughton off his feet and out of the game, he didn't shy away.
Bobby McMann quickly stepped up, prompting Zadorov to accept the challenge. The fight featured wrestling and tugging, with McMann, who is smaller in height and reach by about five inches, landing some glancing right-hand punches to the back of Zadorov’s helmet. Zadorov responded with a few short-armed uppercuts.
Both fighters emerged relatively unscathed as they went off to serve their 5-minute penalties.
“Nikita Zadorov lived up to the unwritten rules he championed against Buffalo.”
Author's summary: Nikita Zadorov demonstrated his commitment to hockey's unwritten code, engaging fiercely after a strong check led to a fight with the Maple Leafs.