Boston Bruins Nikita Zadorov doesn’t mince words about his benching against the Kings

Boston Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov addressed his benching following the team's 4-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday. Head coach Marco Sturm benched the veteran blueliner for undisciplined play, citing three minor penalties Zadorov committed in Friday's 4-2 win against the Anaheim Ducks. Defenseman Jonathan Aspirot entered the lineup in his place as Boston completed a three-game sweep in California.

Zadorov skated outside the top six defensemen during Monday's practice in Dallas ahead of Tuesday's game against the Stars. Causeway Crowd's Scott Roche notes that Sturm previously used healthy scratches to send messages to Casey Mittelstadt and Marat Khusnutdinov, adding that Zadorov's reaction will be closely monitored upon his return.