Zadorov was one of several Bruins to don some festive attire ahead of Tuesday’s game against the Habs.
Nikita Zadorov was in a festive mood ahead of Tuesday’s game against Montreal. AP Photo/Charles Krupa
December 23, 2025 | 6:43 PM
1 minute to read
Nikita Zadorov is at his best when he’s doling out punishment on the ice on behalf of the Boston Bruins.
But, the 6-foot-6 defenseman was more primed to hand out gifts on Tuesday evening, based on his pregame attire.
Ahead of Boston’s home matchup against the Canadiens — the Bruins’ final game before the holiday break — Zadorov and the rest of his teammates arrived at TD Garden in their most festive garb.
Zadorov arrived dressed as Santa Claus, walking toward Boston’s dressing room alongside Marat Khusnutdinov, who was wearing a reindeer costume.
Zadorov was far from the only Bruins player decked out for the holidays.
Hampus Lindholm arrived looking like Buddy the Elf, while David Pastrnak, Morgan Geekie, Viktor Arvidsson, and Fraser Minten broke out their best holiday sweaters.
Here’s a look at some of Boston’s pregame attire.
Despite all of the expected festivities, Tuesday’s showdown with Montreal should hold plenty of weight for a Bruins team that has lost four out of its last five games.
Beyond the optics of battling their Original Six nemesis in the Habs, Pastrnak deemed Tuesday’s showdown a “must-win” game for a Bruins squad looking to build some momentum before the holiday break.
“I really think those kinds of games, you learn from,” Bruins head coach Marco Sturm said Monday of Sunday’s 6-2 loss against Ottawa. “I almost feel embarrassed sometimes, and when I feel that way, and hopefully the guys do, too, I get better. I’m already very excited about tomorrow.
“Did I have a [expletive] night last night? Damn right I did. But I’m more excited about tomorrow, because I know my guys. I know my players. I know this group — these guys care. There was never a doubt that these guys care, and I know they’re gonna give me a response tomorrow. Not just for us — but I think for this organization and also for our fans.”
Conor Ryan is a staff writer covering the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox for Boston.com, a role he has held since 2023.
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