The NHL Department of Player Safety fined Boston Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov $5,000 on Sunday for punching Chicago Blackhawks player Alex Vlasic. This penalty represents the maximum fine allowed under the league contract. Zadorov avoided a suspension despite the severity of the hit during Saturday’s game.
Zadorov has now accumulated 47 penalty minutes this season, which leads the entire league. During the altercation, a ten-minute misconduct and a four-minute double minor for roughing were issued to him, according to Boston Hockey Now. The NHL confirmed the fine amount on Sunday, stating it was the cap for such actions. This marks the third time Zadorov has been fined $5,000 while playing for Boston.
The Incident on the Ice
The trouble started in the second period 13 seconds before the 18:34 mark. Boston forward Casey Mittelstadt hit Vlasic, and the Chicago defenseman followed up with a series of cross-checks. Zadorov stepped in to defend his teammate but escalated the situation significantly. He pulled Vlasic out of a pile of players and landed a right cross while the opponent was down.
Players Connor Bedard and Ryan Donato tried to pull Zadorov away from the fight. The linesmen held onto Zadorov while he still held Vlasic’s jersey. Although both players received double minors for roughing, the Blackhawks did not receive a power play. Zadorov finished the game with 14 penalty minutes and played 15:02 total.
A Pattern of Aggression
Zadorov has played in every game except one this season. The single game he missed was due to disciplinary reasons earlier in the year. He previously crossed-checked Buffalo defenseman Rasmus Dahlin during a game against that team. The Department of Player Safety has suspended Zadorov only once in his 14-year career. This history suggests the league views him as a repeat offender who needs stricter control.
Coach Marco Sturm benched Zadorov as a healthy scratch during a trip to the West Coast last month. That decision came after Zadorov struggled with his performance and behavior. His agent spoke out on social media about the benching, which drew more attention to the player. Since returning to the lineup, Zadorov has been active but not at the level he showed last year.
The Bruins Take the Win
Boston managed to win the game 5-4 in overtime despite the penalty trouble. The team trailed by two goals late in the third period before Mason Lohrei and Morgan Geekie scored. Elias Lindholm sealed the victory with a goal in the extra session. The win gives the Black and Gold two points as they enter a busy stretch of home games.
Some Chicago fans demanded a suspension for Zadorov after seeing the punch. Zadorov’s actions were described as roughing a defenseless opponent by multiple outlets.
