Nikita Zadorov Responds to Islanders Fans After Incident Involving Matthew Schaefer
Nikita Zadorov targeted Islanders fans who criticized him following his confrontation with Matthew Schaefer during Tuesday night's game at UBS Arena.
“Get out of my DMs and go to the rink to cheer for your team,” Zadorov wrote on his verified Instagram account. “That place was a library tonight.”
Zadorov posted a screenshot of direct messages he received immediately after the game, overlaying it with his message as an Instagram story.
Details of the On-Ice Incident
- In the second period of the Islanders’ 4-3 shootout loss, Zadorov struck 18-year-old Schaefer twice with his stick behind the Bruins’ net.
- Zadorov shoved Schaefer to the ice as he tried to regain balance, sparking a confrontation led by Islanders captain Anders Lee and Anthony Duclair.
- The clash escalated into a chaotic scrum, resulting in Zadorov receiving penalties for roughing and interference.
- Zadorov and Lee continued a tense exchange while serving time in the penalty box.
Fan and Team Reactions
The home crowd of 15,585 expressed ongoing displeasure towards Zadorov throughout the game.
The UBS Arena, with a capacity of 17,255, recorded the fourth-highest attendance among the Islanders' seven home games this season, with only one sellout.
The Islanders chose not to comment on Zadorov’s social media post and did not hold a practice on Wednesday.
The fans frequently chanted for Schaefer and goalie Ilya Sorokin during the game.
“There’s going to be battles every night,” Schaefer said after the game.
Author's summary: Nikita Zadorov clashed with Matthew Schaefer and faced backlash from Islanders fans, responding with sharp social media remarks after a heated game incident.