Nikita Zadorov Responds to Islanders Fans After Incident with Matthew Schaefer
Nikita Zadorov addressed Islanders fans who criticized him following an altercation with Matthew Schaefer on Tuesday night at UBS Arena. The Bruins defenseman posted on his verified Instagram, urging fans to support their team in person instead of sending direct messages:
“Get out of my DMs and go to the rink to cheer for your team. That place was a library tonight.”
Zadorov shared a screenshot of the direct messages he received immediately after the game along with this message in his Instagram story.
Incident During the Game
Midway through the second period of the Islanders’ 4-3 shootout loss, Zadorov struck 18-year-old Schaefer with a two-handed swing of his stick behind the Bruins' net. He then pushed Schaefer to the ice as the young player tried to regain balance.
This action sparked a confrontation led by Islanders captain Anders Lee and Anthony Duclair, which escalated into a chaotic scrum. Zadorov was assessed a double-minor penalty for roughing and an additional two minutes for interference. During their time in the penalty box, Zadorov and Lee engaged in a heated exchange.
Fan Reaction and Game Atmosphere
The crowd of 15,585 voiced displeasure towards Zadorov for the remainder of the game. Tuesday’s attendance was the fourth highest of the Islanders’ seven home games this season at the 17,255-capacity UBS Arena, which has had only one sellout so far.
The Islanders did not comment on Zadorov’s post and skipped practice on Wednesday. However, fans loudly chanted in support of Schaefer and goalie Ilya Sorokin throughout the game.
“There’s going to be battles every night,” Schaefer remarked after the game.
Summary
Zadorov’s social media response highlights the provocative tension between players and fans after intense moments in hockey games.
Would you like a more formal or casual tone for this text?