The Boston Bruins concluded a recent road trip with an overtime loss to the Dallas Stars, marking the return of defenseman Erik Zadorov to the lineup after a one-game benching. The game took place Tuesday following Zadorov’s absence against Los Angeles, a decision that Bruins coach Marco Sturm said was intended to address the veteran player’s on-ice discipline.

Zadorov, a 6-foot-7, 244-pound defenseman, was held out of the lineup after taking a double minor penalty late in the second period of Boston’s previous game against the Anaheim Ducks. The Bruins managed to kill the penalty and ultimately secured a comeback win. Zadorov, who assisted on a goal in Tuesday’s game, described his benching as disappointing but viewed it as an opportunity to move forward. “I’m ready to put it behind me,” he said.

Sturm noted that the decision to sit Zadorov was difficult but necessary for both the player and the team’s benefit. “He’s just got to play his game and be rock solid and we’ll be fine,” Sturm said following the Bruins’ morning skate. Zadorov skated paired with Will Borgen, continuing a defensive tandem formed when Charlie McAvoy returned to the lineup last week.

Reflecting on leadership and team dynamics, Zadorov highlighted the evolving culture within the Bruins’ locker room. “When I came in, it was a quick culture change,” he said. “Every guy cares and we play for each other. We’re willing to die for each other. That’s the biggest thing and how you embrace leadership.”

The Bruins’ lineup also saw the return of forward Pavel Zacha after a one-game absence due to an upper-body injury. Zacha centered the first line alongside JJ Peterka and David Pastrnak.

The loss to the Stars echoed one of the Bruins' most difficult defeats last season, when they fell 6-2 in Dallas, trailing 6-0 early. Sturm referenced that game as a cautionary reminder ahead of Tuesday’s contest. “We got embarrassed here and we were going home, too,” Sturm said. “I think that’s something where it was on us and hopefully we’re going to have a better result than a year ago.”

Sturm added that he mentioned the prior loss once to “refresh memories,” emphasizing that the past remains behind them as the team focuses on the present.

In other developments, reports surfaced that the Bruins are nearing a contract extension with forward Marat Khusnutdinov. The 24-year-old, currently under contract through the 2026-27 season with a $925,000 salary-cap hit, has contributed two goals and five points this season, including a game-winning goal against the Los Angeles Kings.

Additionally, the Bruins’ organization continues to monitor promising talent in the American Hockey League, as Luke Mittelstadt, younger brother of forward Casey Mittelstadt, leads the AHL in scoring with 13 points in six games for the Laval Rocket. Casey praised Luke’s on-ice intelligence and adaptability, attributing his brother’s offensive success to his ability to elevate his play alongside skilled teammates.

The Bruins now turn their attention to upcoming games as they aim to improve their record following the challenging road trip.