Nikita Zadorov gives clear reason for crosschecking Lucas Raymond after slashing penalty. (Image Source: Imagn)

Boston Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov provided a succinct explanation for his cross-check on Lukas Raymond during the Bruins’ 3-2 victory over the Red Wings on Tuesday.

Zadorov had stashed Raymond in the hand with his stick, which led to a slashing penalty against him. After the incident, the Red Wings forward turned to the official, shaking his hand, but it was unclear whether he was in pain or, as Zadorov perceived, trying to exaggerate his discomfort.

Following the whistle, Nikita Zadorov responded by delivering a cross-check from behind, sending Raymond hurtling to the ice. The Bruins defenseman called out Raymond for his “disrespectful” play after the game:

“I don’t like when the guy’s shaking his hand,” Zadorov said. “I barely touch his hand, so I think that’s got to get out of the league. It’s a man’s league. We all get slashed. We’re all in pain. “But you don’t go like this and show the referee that you get slashed. So I think it’s just a little bit disrespectful.”

Zadorov on Raymond:

"I don't like when the guy's shaking his hand. I barely touch his hand, so I think that's got to get out of the league. It's a man's league. We all get slashed. We're all in pain.

"But you don't go like this and show the referee that you get slashed. So I… https://t.co/Ds6BvOtWFO

— Conor Ryan (@ConorRyan_93) December 4, 2024

Zadorov received a two-minute minor penalty for slashing Lucas Raymond. He ended the game with three minor penalties, bringing his season total to 19, making Zadorov the player with the most minor penalties this season.

Nikita Zadorov on changes under interim coach Joe Sacco

Zadorov opened up about the changes the team has experienced under interim coach Joe Sacco, emphasizing that the players aren’t competing with more passion and pride.

“I think we’re playing with passion. I think we’re playing with pride. I think we’re playing for each other. I thought we were disconnected before. That’s what wasn’t working. I don’t think we fixed much X’s and O’s,” he said.

Zadorov on the Bruins' change since Sacco has taken over:

"I think we're playing with passion. I think we're playing with pride. I think we're playing for each other. I thought we were disconnected before. That's what wasn't working. I don't think we fixed much X's and O's."

— Conor Ryan (@ConorRyan_93) December 4, 2024

Lucas Raymond scored for the Red Wings, putting them ahead 1-0 at 7:31 of the first period. Nikita Zadorov responded at 9:15, tying the game for the home team.

Coming into the second period, Raymond netted his second goal of the night, giving the visitors a 2-1 lead. However, Justin Brazeau’s powerplay goal at 9:32 tied the game 3-3, forcing overtime.

Pavel Zacha scored the game-winner for Boston 2:15 into overtime. This marked the second straight victory for the Bruins, who are third in the Atlantic Division with 29 points after 27 games.

The Bruins face off against the Chicago Blackhawks next on Tuesday.