Bruins’ Nikita Zadorov Upholds His Own Rules in Fight Against Maple Leafs
Nikita Zadorov's hit on Scott Laughton ignited a fight in Toronto. Zadorov honored the unwritten rules he had emphasized during a previous incident with Buffalo. The Bruins defenseman was upset when Jordan Greenway refused to fight him after a Sabres hit injured Elias Lindholm.
During the game, Zadorov delivered a second-period check that knocked Maple Leafs veteran Scott Laughton off his feet and out of the contest. Moments later, he accepted a fight challenge from Bobby McMann.
The fight included wrestling and grappling. McMann, who was smaller by about five inches in height and reach, landed some glancing right hands against the back of Zadorov’s helmet. Zadorov replied with a few short-armed uppercuts. Both players emerged relatively unscathed as they were sent to the penalty box for five minutes.
"Zadorov lived up to the unwritten rules he championed against Buffalo."
"McMann landed a few glancing right hands to the back of Zadorov’s helmet."
Author’s summary: Nikita Zadorov stayed true to his code by engaging in a timely fight after delivering a hard hit, demonstrating his physical style and respect for hockey’s unwritten rules.