Zadorov and Tkachuk drop the gloves in Boston

Conor Ryan just reported that Nikita Zadorov and Brady Tkachuk dropped the gloves at the start of Bruins-Panthers at TD Garden.

So much for easing into a Sunday matinee. Boston and Florida are playing the first Atlantic Division showdown of the season, and the game is still in the first period as we write.

Ryan's first post on it was short and to the point:

Nothing in the posts says what set it off, and we won't guess. Who landed what, the penalties and the reaction from the building will have to wait for the people who watched it.

What we do know is who was involved. Zadorov is a 6'7", 255-pound defenseman, paired with William Borgen today. Tkachuk is a 6'4", 225-pound winger, listed on the Panthers' top line with Sam Bennett and his brother Matthew Tkachuk.

Ryan's second post framed it the same way, right off the bat:

Zadorov has built a habit this season. We told you about Nikita Zadorov's 14 penalty minutes against the Blackhawks earlier this season, and he has 47 penalty minutes through 16 games.

Tkachuk doesn't shy from it either, with 19 penalty minutes in 17 games.

What the Zadorov-Tkachuk fight means for Bruins-Panthers

A fight this early sets the tone for a game that carries real weight. Boston is 12-4-1 and sits first in the Atlantic, and Florida is chasing the Bruins from fifth in the division.

Tkachuk is also the Panthers' most important forward tonight, since he plays alongside two of their best players. If Zadorov can pull him into a physical game, that suits Boston. A 6'7" defenseman who answers the bell at the opening is a message to the Panthers' top line before the first period is over.

Whether it changes anything on the scoreboard, we'll know soon enough. We'll keep tabs on the game as it plays out.

Quick hits

FLORIDA PANTHERSAnton Lundell looks cleared to play in Boston, according to the warmup lines posted minutes before puck drop. That's a boost for a Florida team that needs bodies in a hostile building.

CALGARY FLAMESRyan Huska explained how Kevin Bahl ruptured his Achilles. It happened while warming up Friday night, and the Flames coach called it a freak accident. Brutal way to lose a defenseman.

NEW YORK ISLANDERSStefen Rosner reports that Mathew Barzal, Matias Maccelli and Ryan Pulock have made the trip to California with the Islanders. Good news for a team heading to San Jose.

OTTAWA SENATORSBruce Garrioch reports the Senators sent Jonas Johansson down to Belleville, and Linus Ullmark appears ready for Tuesday. The crease is about to get its starter back.

WINNIPEG JETSScott Arniel said Josh Morrissey will not return tonight against Tampa Bay, a reversal from what was expected. The Jets will have to wait a little longer.