Bruins’ Hit On Firs-Overall Pick Ignites Line Brawl
The Boston Bruins picked up their fourth win in a row Tuesday night, and did so in shootout fashion.
But it wasn’t one of the team’s three regulation goals, or the thrilling shootout winner, that will be remembered come May. It was the hit on this year’s first overall pick, Matthew Schaefer, that got both sides in a tizzy.
It was 6-foot-7 defenseman Nikita Zadorov who made it his mission to personally welcome the rookie to the NHL. The 30-year-old, playing his second season with the Bruins, delivered a pair of cross-checks to the rookie behind the net.
When Schaefer took exception, Zadorov turned around and delivered a glove to his face.
The Isles didn’t like that.
Utter chaos ensued as a ten-player pileup took place behind Jeremy Swayman’s crease. Bruins forward Sean Kuraly got the worst of it after he suplexed Islanders’ Jean-Gabriel Pageau.
When it was all said and done, Zadorov picked up three minors — one for interference, and two for roughing. The Isles picked up two roughing calls of their own, and overall, the play resulted in a two-minute power play.
Schaefer has been subject to this targeting all season, so it’s not the first time the Islanders have had to get their hands dirty on his account.
The Bruins improved their record to 2-0 over the Islanders on the season and will play their third and final game against the in-conference foe later this month on November 26th.