Nikita Zadorov’s comments, or lack thereof, about Jeremy Swayman challenging Darcy Kuemper to a fight in Sunday’s Bruins-Kings game caused a lot of conversation and speculation on social media.
“Is that what it is? I don’t know,” the Bruins defenseman said when asked if it was encouraging seeing Swayman step up to defend his teammate. “No comment.”
The answer came following an ugly 7-2 loss to Los Angeles — the Bruins’ sixth loss in a row.
Fans on social media had theories that the locker room was divided, and that Swayman and Zadorov didn’t like one another.
After Tuesday’s practice, Zadorov addressed his postgame comments, noting he called Swayman right away afterward.
“When you ask a question like that after a 7-2 loss, the players are frustrated,” the defenseman told reporters. “Obviously at the time I was frustrated and whatever I said it wasn’t toward Sway. I didn’t expect that question and sometimes you gotta understand the situation we’re in. We were pissed after the game.”
Zadorov said there were a lot of negatives in Sunday’s game and didn’t want to lock in on a positive — especially after another deflating loss where nothing seemed to go right for Boston.
“Obviously, we appreciate in this room guys stepping in for each other,” Zadorov said. “That’s the culture that was here before I came here, and I’m trying to follow it as a guy who steps up for a teammate.”
Zadorov acknowledged that both he and Swayman are going be with the Bruins the next several years and that he’s hopeful to win a Stanley Cup with the Bruins — and with Swayman as his teammate.
“He’s a huge part of our team,” Zadorov said. “We’re gonna be together for a long time and (there’s) gonna be a lot of success with this team.”
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