Nikita Zadorov gives lame excuse for not fighting Max Domi

Last night, Boston Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov hit Auston Matthews from behind, leading to a play that upset a lot of Maple Leafs fans.

Matthews was out for the rest of the game, and there is now a fear that Matthews could miss even more time, which would be a disaster for this team.

Having said that, the Leafs did try to respond to Zadorov last night. For instance, Max Domi tried to fight him. However, this never came to fruition.

After the game, Zadorov was asked directly about why he decided to turn down a fight with Max Domi. In the end, his response was simple, albeit a bit lame.

Essentially, the defenseman didn't want to hurt Domi. He's known him since Junior, and with the size difference, he felt that it would be a complete mismatch.

At the end of the day, it is probably better for Domi that he didn't engage in an all-out war with Zadorov. You don't want another Leafs forward getting injured right now.

Having said that, there is no denying that the Toronto Maple Leafs are in a precarious position. They are seventh in the Atlantic Division, and they have no one to go after guys like Zadorov.

Sure, they have Sammy Blais, but that is about it right now. The team is playing with no passion, and it feels like a major change might be brewing.

Only time will tell whether or not the Leafs get out of this funk, or fall deeper and deeper into it.