- Nikita Zadorov was a healthy scratch for the Bruins against the Kings
- Marco Sturm pointed to the double minor Zadorov took against the Ducks
- Read below for Sturm’s comments and the video of his press conference
Nikita Zadorov sat out Saturday night’s game against the Kings, and Bruins coach Marco Sturm made it clear why.
Sturm cited the double minor Zadorov took Friday against the Ducks. The defenseman was whistled for elbowing Frank Vatrano and then knocked Vatrano to the ice for a roughing minor, with Boston trailing 2-1 late in the second period, according to the Boston Globe’s Jim McBride.
Sturm was asked whether it was a healthy scratch and what went into the decision. He said discipline has been a talking point for a while. Watch his comments:
“He’s a tremendous player and leader for our team,” Sturm said. “I think we’ve been mentioning for a while his discipline on the ice. I think that’s something he just needs to be better [with]. He was not happy, but he’s a great human being and he’s a competitor. And I do believe he comes stronger after this message.”
Sturm was then asked whether Zadorov understood the decision. He said he didn’t know, and that the two had a quick conversation Saturday morning.
“This is coach’s decision, and I do believe there’s another level in him,” Sturm said. “The discipline part, I think he just needs to be smarter, and that’s all what it is.”
Zadorov leads Boston and is second in the NHL with 29 penalty minutes through eight games. The Bruins still beat the Ducks 4-2 on Friday, with David Pastrnak tying the game on a power play in the third period.
Jonathan Aspirot drew in on the blue line next to Will Borgen. Pavel Zacha was also out with an upper-body injury, which Sturm called day-to-day.
The Bruins won without both of them, beating the Kings 4-1 for their fifth straight victory. Los Angeles is still winless at 0-4-2.
