Bruins Head Coach Joe Sacco Released A Surprise Statement Regarding Nikita Zadorov

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Austin Sabourin
December 4, 2024 (5:01 PM)

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Boston Bruins head coach Joes Sacco issued a statement regarding Nikita Zadorov and what they want to see out of him going forward.

Nikita Zadorov had an incredible game for the Boston Bruins during their 3-2 overtime win against the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday night at TD Garden.

During the first period, Zadorov ended up tying the game up for the Bruins with a wicked slap shot from the point, he would also go on to have four hits, one takeaway, and three minor penalties during his 18:20 of ice time for the Bruins, and following the game, head coach Joe Sacco praised his play during their game vs the Red Wings.

«He was engaged in the game tonight,»

Sacco told reporters, per team-provided audio. «He was physical, and he was just defending hard tonight. When he was on the ice, the opposition knew that he was playing and the goal was good.

«We'd like to see more of that. We talked about that. We talked about D being shot-ready, and there actually wasn't any; I don't think there was any traffic in front of him on that one. We were off to the side. We were trying to get there, but it was just a good enough shot where it went in off the post.»

The Boston Bruins have been running new defensive pairings for the past two games which has seen Zadorov paired with Brandon Carlo, and Oesterle paired with McAvoy, and these pairs have been playing very well for the Bruins.

«I just think they have the ability to be a shutdown pair. Play against top lines,» Sacco explained. «(Zadorov), you know, more physical. Brandon's hard to play against because of his reach and his smarts defensively. So, you know, if those two guys can gain some chemistry and play against top lines, they're going to be an effective pair for us.»

After firing Jim Montgomery the Boston Bruins are 5-2-0 under Joe Sacco, and Zadorov has seen how it has affected the team, and realized they have been playing with more passion since the coaching change.

«I think we're playing with a passion. I think we're playing with pride,» Zadorov told reporters, per team-provided audio. «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 Xs and Os. I think it's the same system, the same game plans. We're just doing it this time. If one guy makes mistakes, other guys are gonna clean up for them. So, I think that's the main change from the start of the year.»

The Bruins are looking to make it three wins in a row against three different original six teams as they gear up to face the Chicago Blackhawks tonight.