Bruins' Zadorov must balance physicality and penalty minutes – The Hockey Writers – Boston Bruins

The Boston Bruins have emphasized adding size and physicality to their lineup in recent years, with the goal of building a roster that can withstand the rigors of a long playoff run. This shift influenced many of the team's roster decisions, including the offseason signing of defenseman Nikita Zadorov. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 220 pounds, Zadorov was given a six-year contract to add a “snarl” element to the lineup, and in that regard, general manager Don Sweeney got exactly what he wanted. Zadorov's brutal style was already noticeable in the sixth game of the season. That physicality comes at a price, however, as Zadorov racked up 19 penalty minutes in that short span, which is another potential issue that the Bruins need to address now before it becomes a major obstacle.

Zadorov adds physicality and courage

Signing Zadorov to bolster the Bruins' blue line wasn't a misguided move. In fact, Zadorov's size and presence were logical fits for a team that seemed hesitant to use a smaller defenseman like Matt Grzelcyk in playoff games. His physical play gives the Bruins an edge that has been lacking at times. On the ice, Zadorov is a solid defensive player, capable of hitting hard shots, getting out of the crease, and prevailing against the opponent's best players. His size alone can be intimidating, but it's his willingness to engage in physical battles and stand up for his teammates that makes him a valuable piece in a defensive unit that now boasts more muscle.

For a team like the Bruins, known for its determined, no-nonsense approach, Zadorov is a perfect fit. His ability to neutralize players in front of the net, block shots and use his full weight on penalty kills has already been demonstrated. When Zadorov plays his game and plays by the rules, the Bruins are a more formidable team.

Zadorov's contributions also extend beyond his size and physicality. He's not a liability when the puck is on his stick, and he's demonstrated offensive ability time and time again throughout his career. Although scoring isn't his primary role, he has a good shot and can help the Bruins transition from defense to offense more smoothly with well-timed plays in the offensive zone. Getting three points in six games from Zadorov is already a victory for the team, and although he is not paid for his offensive contributions, the fact that they exist at all is a bonus and already a step forward compared to before, when Players with size typically filled a role.

Zadorov's penalty problems

Despite the clear advantages Zadorov gives the Bruins, his aggressive style brings with it a glaring problem in the form of penalties. In just six games this season, Zadorov has already racked up 19 penalty minutes, including at least one penalty in every game. This isn't a new trend for Zadorov, who had 125 penalty minutes in 75 games last season, including 102 penalty minutes in just 54 games with the Vancouver Canucks. Zadorov has shown that he is not afraid to play with the edge on the ice, even if it means he has to stick to the line set by the referees.

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The problem isn't so much that Zadorov is taking penalties – after all, physical players are expected to end up in the box occasionally – but rather the frequency and timing of those penalties. The Bruins can't afford to constantly be shorthanded, especially with Zadorov averaging more than three penalty minutes per game. In a league where special teams make the difference between winning and losing, Zadorov's lack of discipline could quickly become a major problem. Opponents know this and may try to pressure him into penalties by exploiting his reputation as a hard-hitting, aggressive player with a tendency to stand up for his teammates. Although the argument is sound, the implementation needs to be smarter.

Finding the balance between physicality and discipline

For the Bruins to get the most out of Zadorov's presence, they need to find a better balance between playing hard and playing smart. His physicality is undoubtedly valuable, but it is only effective when he stays on the ice. One of the challenges for physical defenders like Zadorov is finding the fine line where they can impose their will without falling into reckless play. There were periods in Zadorov's career where he managed to do just that. For example, for much of his career, his average was closer to one penalty minute per game, a much more manageable number that the Bruins can live with.

The Bruins coaching staff will need to work closely with Zadorov to help him adjust his game to avoid unnecessary penalties while continuing to play his brand of hockey. This could involve focusing on positioning and stick work rather than relying solely on brute force to defend. Zadorov has the ability to play within the rules and if he can make the necessary adjustments, he will be invaluable to the Bruins, especially in the playoffs where staying out of the penalty box is even more important.

An example of this is former Bruins captain and long-time defenseman Zdeno Chara. At the end of his time with the New York Islanders and during his four seasons with the Ottawa Senators, there was a stretch in his career where Chara averaged nearly two penalty minutes per game in the regular season. During his time with the Bruins, and especially as his career progressed, he had gained the wisdom and experience to know when and how to use his size advantage to help the Bruins without hurting them at the same time.

There's no denying that the Bruins need Zadorov's physicality, especially given their goal of facing some of the toughest teams in the league in the playoffs. His presence on the ice makes the Bruins more difficult to play against, and his willingness to stand up for his teammates is something the team will value all season long. However, if Zadorov can't curb his penalty-killing habits, the Bruins could find themselves frequently shorthanded, a situation that could cost them games when it matters most.

Six games is a very small sample size and it is very likely that this will not prove to be a season-long issue if the coaching staff is involved early. The challenge for both Zadorov and the Bruins is to utilize his physical strength without making it a disadvantage. If they can find that balance, Zadorov will prove to be a key part of their blue line for years to come. Until then, the Bruins will have to closely monitor how his physical condition impacts their ability to win games.