Bruins Dealing with Zadorov Injury as Playoff Push Intensifies
Through the first 52 games of the season, Nikita Zadorov had been a constant presence on the blue line for the Boston Bruins - a bit of a surprise given his physical, punishing style of play. But if this season has made anything clear, it’s that Zadorov’s role in the Bruins’ defensive core is more than just bruising hits and board battles - he’s become a stabilizing force. And now, for the first time this year, Boston had to skate without him.
Zadorov was held out of Monday night’s matchup against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden after suffering an injury late in Saturday’s 4-3 win over the Montreal Canadiens. He took an awkward fall late in the second period - one of those moments that made Bruins fans hold their breath.
But in typical Zadorov fashion, he gutted it out and returned for the third. That gave some hope that the injury wasn’t serious, but he didn’t skate Sunday and was ultimately ruled out against the Rangers.
Henri Jokiharju stepped into the lineup in his place.
The Bruins traveled to New York immediately after the Montreal game, trying to stay ahead of an incoming snowstorm. Zadorov made the trip, which was a positive sign, but the team erred on the side of caution. It marked his first missed game of the 2025-26 season - a testament to his durability and importance.
Now, the Bruins return home to host the Nashville Predators on Tuesday night, and the timing couldn’t be more crucial.
Five-Game Sprint Before the Olympic Break
Boston entered Monday night holding onto the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. With just five games left before the Olympic break, every point is magnified.
After facing Nashville, the Bruins will host the Flyers, then head south for a Stadium Series showdown against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday night. That’s followed by a matchup with the Florida Panthers - a tough stretch with playoff implications written all over it.
Head coach Marco Sturm knows what’s at stake.
“We believe in our structure and our game that we can win against anyone,” Sturm said before the Rangers game. “But can we stay consistent enough? That’s gonna be the goal here for the next few games before the break.”
It’s a fair question. The Bruins have shown flashes of top-tier hockey this season, but lapses in consistency - especially in their transition game and defensive zone coverage - have cost them points. The next five games are more than just a sprint to the break; they’re a litmus test for how playoff-ready this group really is.
Jordan Harris Making Noise in Providence
Meanwhile, there’s encouraging news from the AHL. Defenseman Jordan Harris, sidelined since October after undergoing surgery, is back on the ice and working his way back to NHL form. He’s currently on a rehab assignment with the Providence Bruins and looked sharp over the weekend.
In Sunday’s 4-3 win over the Toronto Marlies, Harris scored the game-winner on a breakaway - not exactly a play you expect from a defenseman fresh off injury. But it’s the kind of moment that speaks to his confidence and readiness.
He wasn’t the only one making an impact. Prospects Georgii Merkulov, Fabian Lysell, and Matthew Poitras also found the back of the net - a reminder that the Bruins’ pipeline continues to produce.
For now, the focus remains on the NHL roster and the crucial stretch ahead. But with Zadorov’s status uncertain and Harris rounding into form, the Bruins may have some reinforcements waiting in the wings if needed.
Bottom line: Boston’s playoff hopes are still very much alive, but the margin for error is razor-thin. With Zadorov sidelined and the Olympic break looming, the next five games could go a long way in defining their season.