Nikita Zadorov laughs off his viral beer-chug moment at Celtics game

The defenseman stole the show Friday when the jumbotron landed on him during Celtics-Lakers, and he responded by downing a beer in seconds.

After the Bruins beat the New Jersey Devils 4-1, reporters circled back to the moment. Zadorov did not hold back.

He said he had been to roughly fifteen Celtics games this season without ever appearing on the big screen. But the one night he attended with David Pastrnak, fate finally caught him. When the camera locked onto his face, he felt Boston calling.

Zadorov told reporters, grinning as he retold the story. He felt the arena energy spike as the crowd recognized him, and he leaned into the moment, creating an instant classic clip.

The Bruins appreciated the humor, but Zadorov pointed out one thing mattered most: backing it up on the ice. He joked that players need a «guilty game once in a while» before quickly adding that he thought he played well against New Jersey.

Fans loved the personality, and Boston's room clearly enjoyed it too. Zadorov's physical style, paired with his off-ice charisma, has already made him a strong fit since his arrival.

Seeing him connect with another Boston sports crowd only strengthened that bond.

His performance Thursday reflected the confidence. The Bruins leaned on his size to keep New Jersey to the outside, and his breakout passes looked cleaner than earlier in the month.

Moments like this build chemistry for a roster battling key absences. With Pastrnak still day-to-day, secondary voices carry extra weight, and Zadorov's presence has quietly stabilized a blue line that needed sturdier identity.

He called the viral clip «a cool moment,» and Boston fans seem to agree. If he keeps pairing that energy with steady play, his bond with the city will only deepen.