Nikita Zadorov already played a physical game before the Bruins signed him to a six-year deal in the 2024 offseason. His physicality has been on full display since coming to Boston, including in back-to-back games against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
While the 6-foot-7 defenseman doesn’t need to look elsewhere for motivation to be physical, he revealed to the TNT crew before Tuesday’s game against the Maple Leafs that he watched highlights from Boston’s 2011 Stanley Cup Final.
“I watched all of them, and it was a nasty, a really physical, really hard to play against team,” Zadorov said. “I think that’s the identity we want to bring back to Boston. I think every guy has bought in in so far this year, and we just want to be really tough to play against and nasty to play against. I just go out there and try to do my job, and I know all my other guys have my back for it.”
The Bruins are in the midst of a seven-game win streak thanks in part to strong defensive play and the team buying into the way coach Marco Sturm wants them to play.
Zadorov, in particular, is never afraid to drop the gloves and drag someone into a fight if it means standing up for his teammates. He also never shies away from being physical, which was on full display in consecutive games against Toronto when he laid a big hit on Scott Laughton and another one on captain Auston Matthews.
Zadorov has become an important part to Boston’s blueline and will need that physicality as the Bruins continue a season in which they’re retooling and building a new identity.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
