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Boston Bruins Forward Brad Marchand Ejected Against Lightning

By Brandon Share-Cohen

Apr 4, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Jake Dotchin (59) reacts after being speared by Boston Bruins left wing Brad Marchand (63) during the first period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Jake Dotchin (59) reacts after being speared by Boston Bruins left wing Brad Marchand (63) during the first period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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Boston Bruins Forward Brad Marchand Ejected Against Lightning For Spear on Defenseman Jake Dotchin

Brad Marchand is a very good hockey player. It’s for this reason that he is one of the most frustrating players in the NHL. When playing against him, it’s easy to be swayed into taking a lazy penalty against Marchand because of his skill. It’s also easy to take a penalty because he’s a superior-level pest. When Marchand’s play gets him taken out of the game, however, the frustration transfers from the opposing team, to his own team and fanbase.

With the Bruins looking to clinch a playoff spot Tuesday, Marchand took arguably the most unnecessary penalty of the season. While standing in front of his own net, Marchand speared Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Jake Dotchin between the legs. This action earned Marchand a five-minute major penalty as well as a game misconduct in the first period of Tuesday’s match. While being ejected from te game against Tampa in which the Bruins could clinch was bad, losing him for any extended period of time could be worse. Given Marchand’s history of five suspensions with 15 games missed in his career, it’s more than likely that he’ll miss time for this play

Marchand Hurting Himself and His Teammates

Marchand has 39 goals and 85 points this season. Losing a player of that magnitude is never good, let alone during a playoff push. A less significant but still relevant aspect of a potential suspension could make his quest for 40 goals all but over this season. Making the playoff and competing for the Stanley Cup will always mean more than hitting the 40-goals milestone, but it still would have been nice to see Marchand reach that mark.

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At the end of the day, Marchand has nobody to blame for himself for this play. While it isn’t acceptable for any player to take such a low penalty, it’s less acceptable for a superstar like Marchand to do so and ultimately hurt his team. If the Bruins do manage to clinch the playoffs, the team should still make it clear to Marchand that he needs to think more before making such useless plays.

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The Bruins finished the second period up 2-0 over the Lightning. With Marchand missing the remainder of the game, the Bruins were forced to rely on the rest of their team. Patrice Bergeron dominated at the faceoff draw as usual and both Drew Stafford and David Pastrnak buried goals to contribute where they could. The playoffs have never been more within reach – it will be up to the Bruins to come together and make it happen.

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