Sabres’ Beck Malenstyn responds to lack of Nikita Zadorov suspension

The incident that led to Nikita Zadorov’s fine against Rasmus Dahlin raised some eyebrows around the league. Late in Game 4 of the Boston Bruins-Buffalo Sabres series, Zadorov gave a vicious cross-check to the Sabres’ captain, and then finished it off by swinging at him with his glove. Some wondered whether it would lead to a suspension for Game 5, but the league announced on Monday that they fined Zadorov.

While the Sabres don’t want to see their captain and best player getting abused by a big enforcer on the Bruins, it created a discourse around playoff hockey. The old days of playoff hockey were anything goes, which led to some violent moments, but some would rather see that stay in the past. This year’s playoffs haven’t been for the faint of heart, and anyone who isn’t content with Zadorov’s discipline should listen to Sabres’ forward Beck Malenstyn, via X formerly Twitter.

Beck Malenstyn when asked about Zadorov's fine moments after it was announced #Sabres https://t.co/yTn1IOnWWT pic.twitter.com/TjPPtqiXvj

— Dom Tibbetts (@DomTibbettsTV) April 27, 2026

The Sabres don’t seem overly upset about the decision for Zadorov’s discipline to be a fine. It might seem light given Zadorov’s $5 million annual salary, but it is the maximum allowable fine. If there is a conversation about raising the limit, that can be heard, but keeping a suspension out of this seems like the right call.

Buffalo may not get to have a level of revenge in Game 5 against the Bruins, as Zadorov missed practice on Monday after being a game-time decision for Sunday’s game. Zadorov went down the tunnel in Game 3 but returned to the game, raising questions about his health.

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