Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov ‘disappointed’ with being benched by coach Marco Sturm but ready to put it behind him

When the Boston Bruins signed Nikita Zadorov to a contract a couple of summers ago, general manager Don Sweeney got what he had been looking for: a big, physical defenseman who fits the mold of how the Bruins play. The last two seasons, he's been big for the Black and Gold on the backend, even when the Bruins struggled through a rough 2024-25 regular season. Some see him as a potential locker room leader. That might be the case, but he hasn't looked like it so far in 2026-27. However, he has slowly been making very undisciplined decisions on the ice, and his penalty troubles continue on a nightly basis. After his performance on Friday night against the Anaheim Ducks, second-year head coach Marco Sturm has had enough. Bruins make defenseman Nikita Zadorov a healthy scratch against the KingsIf there is one thing that we learned about Marco Sturm in his first year as head coach, it's that he isn't afraid to sit a veteran to send a message. We saw it last season with Casey Mitttlestadt last year, also in October, and the results were much better after that. Sturm decided to sit Zadorov against the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday night, and he didn't beat around the bush as to why.

Frustration and disbelief. That is the devastating reality Monday morning for the three daughters of an Abbotsford couple murdered in their own home. A BC Supreme Court judge has ruled that a section of Canada’s Criminal Code regarding parole eligibility for multiple murderers is unconstitutional, throwing a curveball into the case and delaying the final sentencing until next year.

Boston Bruins fans will always have a soft spot for a large defenseman who attempts to take people's heads off when he gets mad. Nikita Zadorov throws at least one hit per game where you fear for the other player's safety, and in true Boston fashion, we love it. However, when multiple frustrating things outweigh those one or two hits, we might be developing a problem. My biggest concern with Zadorov is that he is visibly struggling to keep up with a game that is only getting faster. The big man may have some great straight-line speed when he gets a full head of steam, but when shifty forwards force him to move laterally, Jeremy Swayman or Michael DiPietro may as well guarantee that a chance is coming their way. Sometimes Zadorov manages to ride a player off into the boards or stick a hip out, but the opposition is starting to figure out how to exploit his lack of agility, and it is becoming a massive problem for Boston's rush defense. Zadorov knows it too, and when players start beating him, his frustration causes even more problems.

From Camden and Cherry Hill to Trenton and the Jersey Shore, what about life in New Jersey do you want WHYY News to cover? Let us know. A plan to expose NJ Transit bus and rail riders to art is expanding. NJ Transit and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts announced Tuesday that the latest installment of the TRANSITional Art Project will be displayed at the Morris Plains Rail Station.

One person is dead after a crash on Deerfoot Trail in southeast Calgary, prompting the closure of all northbound lanes in the area. Emergency crews were called to northbound Deerfoot Trail near 17 Avenue S. E. at about 1:10 p.m.

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