How has Zdeno Chara's mentorship helped Nikita Zadorov's game?

Zdeno Chara, the former Bruins captain, has been mentoring Nikita Zadorov on using physical play to motivate teammates and target top opponents, which has led to improved defensive metrics for Zadorov this season.

What tactics has Zadorov been using to challenge opponents?

Zadorov has been physically targeting and roughing up top players like the Islanders' Matthew Schaefer, the Flyers' Scott Laughton, and the Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews, following Chara's pre-practice ritual of challenging his own teammates.

How has Zadorov's defensive performance improved under Chara's guidance?

Zadorov's defensive metrics have significantly improved 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.

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

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

15 Nov

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Summary

Zdeno Chara mentored Nikita Zadorov on using physical play to motivate teammates
Zadorov has been targeting top opponents like Matthews, Schaefer, and Laughton
Zadorov's defensive metrics have improved under Chara's guidance

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.