Canadiens show class with sportsmanlike gesture toward Bruins player despite tough loss



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Leo Honein
January 25, 2026  (12:55)



Habs and Bruins players

Photo credit: Screenshot

Despite the historic rivalry and the tension on the ice, the Canadiens players made a classy gesture last night toward an injured opponent.

As Boston Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov was forced to leave the game after suffering an injury, the Montreal bench reacted in an exemplary way.

Canadiens players showed respect by tapping their sticks on the boards as the Boston bruiser headed toward the locker room.

It’s the kind of moment that reminds us that, despite the intensity of the battle, respect between professional athletes comes before everything else.

A big show of sportsmanship from the Montreal Canadiens’ bench against the Boston Bruins

In a season where bad news keeps piling up, seeing such a display of sportsmanship feels good.

Even though the final score of 4-3 in favor of the Bruins leaves a bitter taste, the Montreal organization can hold its head high when it comes to the attitude of its players.

This was a classy gesture tonight.

Habs players with stick taps for injured Bruins player Nikita Zadorov. – HabsOnReddit

Speaking of the game against the Boston Bruins, let’s also remember this:

I’m really curious to see what comes next, but something will indeed have to happen with the Habs following a game that had the feel of a collapse for Martin St-Louis’ squad.

Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics