Bruins’ Nikita Zadorov reveals nasty injury he played through in Sabres series appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Boston Bruins are out of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs after their loss at home on Friday. The Bruins needed a win to keep their season alive, but they were unable to stop Alex Tuch and the Buffalo Sabres. It was a hard-fought series, especially for defenseman Nikita Zadorov, who battled through a significant injury.
Zadorov skated around 19 minutes a game for the Bruins in this series. He was a defenseman Boston trusted in big moments. But he battled pain throughout the series. The veteran rearguard revealed that he tore his MCL off the bone and played through it, as reported by The Hockey News reporter Russ Macias.
Injuries coming to light after a playoff series is certainly nothing new. But these stories are always a reminder of the strength needed to play in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. No player in any of these games are 100%, and their tenacity is something to be admired.
Zadorov is one of the more trusted defensemen on the Bruins roster. He skated nearly 21 minutes a game for Boston during the regular season. The veteran rearguard has just completed his second season with the team. And he established a new career high for ice time in 2025-26.
The Sabres have won their first playoff series since 2007. Buffalo does not know who they will face. However, they know it will be one of the Tampa Bay Lightning or the Montreal Canadiens in the second round .
The Bruins made the Stanley Cup Playoffs after missing in 2025. Unfortunately, their run in these playoffs has ended after one round. They head toward an offseason that could feature a bit of change and afford them the chance to build on their 2025-26 season.
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