Nikita Zadorov Criticizes Islanders Fans After Clash with Matthew Schaefer
Boston Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov criticized New York Islanders fans after a heated incident with first overall draft pick Matthew Schaefer during Tuesday night’s game at UBS Arena.
“Get out of my DMs and go to the rink to cheer for your team,” Zadorov wrote on his verified Instagram account. “That place was a library tonight.”
Zadorov shared a screenshot of direct messages he received after the game, overlaying it with his message directed at fans. The altercation began midway through the second period of the Islanders’ 4–3 shootout loss, when Zadorov gave an aggressive two-handed slash to 18-year-old Schaefer behind the Bruins’ net.
As Schaefer attempted to get up, Zadorov pushed him back to the ice, sparking a commotion led by Islanders captain Anders Lee and forward Anthony Duclair. The scuffle drew most players into a scrum on the ice.
Zadorov was penalized with a double-minor for roughing and another two minutes for interference. He continued arguing with Lee while both sat in the penalty box. The UBS Arena crowd of 15,585 expressed their disapproval for the remainder of the game.
Attendance ranked fourth among the Islanders’ seven home games this season at the 17,255-capacity venue, with one sellout so far. The Islanders did not comment on Zadorov’s post and canceled Wednesday’s practice. Throughout the game, fans chanted support for Schaefer and goalie Ilya Sorokin.
“There’s going to be battles every night,” Schaefer said after the game.
Author’s Summary:
Zadorov’s rough play and online remarks against Islanders fans highlighted tensions after a fiery matchup marked by penalties, heated words, and fan backlash.