The Boston Bruins and Florida Panthers have built up quite the rivalry over the past few years. Although Nikita Zadorov wasn’t part of the team during last year’s playoffs, he made Sam Bennett pay with a huge tilt on Tuesday—leading to everyone saying the exact same thing about it.
The Panthers have dramatically eliminated the Bruins from the playoffs in two straight seasons, and since then, a heated rivalry has been brewing between the two teams. It definitely showed in Tuesday’s matchup. Tensions were high all game long, and with just seconds left, emotions boiled over. The Bruins were defending their zone while protecting a one-goal lead as time ticked down.
Frustration got the best of Bennett, who went after Zadorov for a fight—but it didn’t last long. Zadorov, one of the toughest guys in the league, absolutely demolished Bennett, landing a few heavy punches before taking him down to the ice.
Nikita Zadorov praised for big fight
Zadorov wasn’t part of the Bruins teams that suffered back-to-back playoff losses to Florida, but he still acknowledged the history.
“There’s definitely history between these two teams,” Zadorov said. “I wasn’t part of it, but I’m just playing hard. I’m in front, the guy cross-checks me in the face—I’ve got to step up for myself. That was just a hockey moment. I wasn’t trying to send a message or anything like that. I play hard against any player in the league. You can call it sending a message, but it’s just my style.”
Zadorov was praised by teammates, coaches, and fans alike. On social media, everyone was saying the same thing about his demolition of Bennett.
“Damn, I’m not a Bruins fan by any means, but dear lord, he obliterated him,” one user said.
“Appreciate that Zadorov doesn’t even have playoff history with Bennett. Just earnestly hates the guy, and I think that’s beautiful,” another added.
“Sam Bennett just got totally emasculated, grabbing on to Pasta’s jersey for dear life,” a third said.
“Hahahaha, this might be the most embarrassing fight footage I’ve seen since Matty Tkachuk turtled against Kassian,” another wrote.
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