Bruins' Zadorov Embraces Chara's Intimidation Tactics to Elevate His Game

In the 2025-26 NHL season, Boston Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov has been taking a page out of former Bruins captain Zdeno Chara's playbook. According to the article, Chara, who is now a hockey operations adviser and mentor for the Bruins, has been encouraging Zadorov to physically challenge his opponents during games.

Chara revealed to Zadorov that before practices, he would sometimes rough up his own teammates, like Patrice Bergeron or Brad Marchand, to get them motivated and competitive. Zadorov has adopted a similar approach, targeting top players like the New York Islanders' Matthew Schaefer, the Philadelphia Flyers' Scott Laughton, and the Toronto Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews.

The strategy seems to be paying off for Zadorov. His defensive metrics have improved significantly this season, with the Bruins allowing just 24.14 shots per 60 minutes of five-on-five play with him on the ice, down from 27.76 per 60 last year. His expected goals against per 60 has also decreased, from 2.52 to 2.35.

Zadorov credits Chara's mentorship for his defensive improvements, saying, "One hundred percent, [Chara] has helped make me a better player." The 6-foot-7 defenseman has incorporated Chara's intimidation tactics, physicality, and stick work into his game, becoming a dependable top-pair partner for Charlie McAvoy.

While not every Bruin is wired the same way, Zadorov's in-your-face ruggedness has contributed to the team's success. The Bruins currently sit atop the Atlantic Division, in part due to their pockets of physical play and gamesmanship within the roster.