Nikita Zadorov takes a sly dig at Boston media – Source: Getty

Boston Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov took a lighthearted jab at the Boston media while making it clear that the team’s objective is to reach the postseason.

The Bruins are coming off a 3-1 win against the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday. The victory improved their record to 25-20-6 over the last two weeks, going 5-1-1 during that stretch.

In Saturday’s interview, Zadorov said:

“You got to face reality every once in a while, right? I’m not here to miss the playoffs. I’m here to play playoff hockey. I want to see buzzing during playoff hockey.

“I think that’s extra motivation for us, and you guys do a good job of writing us off, which is extra motivation, as well.”

Zadorov admitted that the team is feeling desperate, saying they need to be more urgent than other teams because of their position in the standings and the tight playoff race.

“There are a lot of teams pushing for a playoff spot… We got to put ourselves in a good spot in the standings.” He added.

The Boston Bruins next face the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday at KeyBank Center.

Nikita Zadorov’s reaction to Mikko Rantanen’s trade from Colorado Avalanche

The blockbuster trade sending Mikko Rantanen from the Colorado Avalanche to the Carolina Hurricanes in a three-team deal came as a major surprise to former teammate Nikita Zadorov.

Zadorov played four seasons alongside Rantanen in Colorado.

“I was shocked. I was laying in my bed (Friday) night and I never thought Mikko would leave that place. He was a special player for that team, that organization, for the city and everything, so it was kind of a big surprise for me.” Nikita Zadorov said,

Zadorov expected that the Avalanche would re-sign him and keep him for his entire career, but also acknowledged the the business side of it.

“It’s the business side of it. It sucks. I was a little bit speechless, for sure.” Nikita Zadorov added.

The Avalanche received Martin Necas and Jack Drury from the Hurricanes, along with a 2025 second-round draft choice and a 2026 third-round selection.

The Hurricanes also got Taylor Hall from the Blackhawks. Chicago got back their 2025 third-round draft pick and retain 50% Rantanen’s salary.