Boston Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov has been watching the team’s 2011 highlights.
The Bruins signed Zadorov to a massive six-year, $30 million deal in 2024 when free agency opened. The hard-hitting defenseman was going to be a physical presence on the backend.
Although Zadorov was already a physical defenseman, he said he watched 2011 Bruins highlights to figure out how fans want him to play.
“I think it’s everybody, honestly, not only me,” Zadorov said to TNT before Tuesday’s game. “It was funny. Before the game, I was scrolling through my YouTube and then I saw the highlights from the Stanley Cup Final games in 2011 against Vancouver. I watched all of them, and it was a nasty, a really physical, really hard to play against team.
“So 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.”
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Zadorov has become a fan favorite due to his physical style, and his latest comments will only endear him to Bruins fans.
The 6-foot-6 defenseman has recorded one goal and three assists for four points in 18 games this season.
Boston will return to the ice on Thursday when the Bruins go on the road to play the Ottawa Senators.
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