Nikita Zadorov lived up to the unwritten rules he championed against Buffalo.

The Bruins defenseman took exception to Jordan Greenway refusing to fight him after the Sabres heavyweight’s hit injured Elias Lindholm.

So when Zadorov’s second-period check blasted Maple Leafs veteran Scott Laughton off his feet and out of the game, he answered the bell when Bobby McMann came calling moments later.

There was more wrestling and tugging during the fight. McMann, who gives away five inches of height and about as much reach to Zadorov, landed a few glancing right hands to the back of Zadorov’s helmet.

Zadorov connected on a couple of short-armed uppercuts. But neither player was much worse for the wear as they headed to the penalty box for 5 minutes.

Laughton did not return.