Bruins Defenseman Shocks Fans with Epic Fight Against Hated Panther in Final Seconds
The Boston Bruins’ dramatic comeback against the Florida Panthers on March 12, 2025, was capped off by an electrifying brawl in the final seconds between Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov and Panthers forward Sam Bennett. The fight sent the TD Garden crowd into a frenzy, adding to the intensity of an already heated rivalry.
With just seconds remaining and the Bruins clinging to a 3-2 lead, tensions boiled over as Bennett crashed the net in search of an equalizer. Zadorov, known for his physical play, immediately stepped in, leading to a furious exchange of punches between the two enforcers. Zadorov landed a series of powerful right hands that briefly sent Bennett to the ice before the fight continued on the ground. Officials struggled to break them apart, and both players were eventually escorted off with fighting majors.
The fight was a fitting end to a thrilling game that saw the Bruins erase a two-goal deficit in the third period. Florida had controlled the early stages, with goals from Matthew Tkachuk and Carter Verhaeghe putting them ahead 2-0. However, Boston responded with a relentless offensive push in the final frame.
David Pastrnak ignited the comeback with a power-play goal—his 33rd of the season—firing a laser past Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky. Rookie defenseman Mason Lohrei followed with a perfectly placed wrist shot to tie the game at 2-2, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. Just minutes later, Pavel Zacha completed the rally, scoring off a slick pass from Pastrnak to give Boston the lead.
Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman played a crucial role in the victory, stopping 26 shots and making several key saves in the final minutes as Florida desperately tried to force overtime.
This victory snapped the Panthers’ six-game winning streak and reinforced the Bruins’ status as one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. The physicality of the game, highlighted by Zadorov’s dramatic fight, demonstrated the growing animosity between these two clubs—setting the stage for what promises to be a heated rivalry moving forward.
With the playoffs approaching, the Bruins’ ability to battle through adversity and deliver in clutch moments bodes well for their postseason aspirations. If this game was any indication, a potential playoff series between these teams would be must-watch hockey.