The Boston Bruins bounced back big time in their Game 2 matchup against the Buffalo Sabres, as they won by a 4-2 final score. With this, the Bruins have now tied the series up at 1-1 as they head back to TD Garden for Games 3 and 4. Nikita Zadorov certainly played a role in the Bruins' win, as he stepped up his intensity and made things difficult for the Sabres with his physicality. This was especially so for Zach Benson, as Zadorov threw the young Sabres forward to the ice after he slashed Jeremy Swayman. Following the game, Zadorov made it clear that he will continue to stand up for his goalie if the Sabres continue to slash Swayman in front. "When somebody slashes my goalie, it's my job to step in," Zadorov said [https://x.com/smclaughlin9/status/2046792996817871347]. "They wanna keep doing it, they're going to keep getting it." There is no question that Zadorov is the Bruins' toughest defenseman, so he is certainly the blueliner who the Black and Gold want to see protect Swayman. Based on how the first two games of this series have gone, we should expect to see plenty more rough stuff between the Bruins and Sabres from here. Expect Zadorov to continue to stand out with his physicality and toughness as the series carries on.
