Is Jonathan Kuminga the Hawks' best chance against the Knicks?
Can Jonathan Kuminga lead the Hawks to victory against the Knicks in Game 5?
Nikita Zadorov will play against the Sabres despite a controversial post-play cross check on Rasmus Dahlin. Many are surprised he wasn't suspended for the incident during Game 4.
Why Nikita Zadorov wasn't suspended for post-play cross check of Sabres' Rasmus Dahlin originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Nikita Zadorov is going to hear the boos in Buffalo on Tuesday night when the Boston Bruins head to Game 5 against the Sabres.
The surprising part, at least to some, is that Zadorov will be on the ice at all after his post-play cross check against Rasmus Dahlin during Game 4 in Boston.
It was quite the bizarre moment, Zadorov deciding to lash out at Dahlin for no reason while nothing else appeared to be happening.
In the end, though, the NHL simply fined Zadorov:
MORE:Controversial ending has the Oilers in big trouble
The basic answer is that it's unclear.
The league must've deemed that this wasn't an action rising to the level of a suspension.
In the playoffs, there is a lot of physicality after each whistle, so maybe the NHL decided it'd be tough to adjudicate all of that.
Zadorov was not suspended likely due to the league's assessment of the incident, which may not have deemed it severe enough for disciplinary action.
During Game 4, Zadorov delivered a post-play cross check to Dahlin seemingly without provocation, leading to discussions about potential disciplinary measures.
Zadorov's presence could impact the Bruins' physical play and strategy against the Sabres, especially given the tensions from the previous game.
Can Jonathan Kuminga lead the Hawks to victory against the Knicks in Game 5?
Get ready for the Miami Grand Prix 2026: TV, streaming times, and entries!
Pilot defeats BTA 15-10 to win U.S. Open Polo Championship
Detroit Lions fans have graded the entire 2026 draft class!
Dusan Vlahovic is set to part ways with his agent Darko Ristic, affecting Juventus discussions.
Tottenham Hotspur are monitoring Marcus Rashford, who is currently on loan at Barcelona from Manchester United. Rashford has scored 13 goals and provided 13 assists in 45 matches this season.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
This, though, was different in the fact that it was far from mutual and seemed to be specifically sought out by Zadorov.
It's unlikely that anyone is going to give a very good explanation for the fine vs. suspension decision here. The Sabres will just have to keep their heads on a swivel for any further Zadorov physicality.