NHL reportedly asked Brad Marchand to stop licking opposing players

Authored by nhl.nbcsports.com and submitted by jkm97
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Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman regals readers with many great nuggets in his regular “31 Thoughts” column, but this bit on how the NHL reportedly responded to Brad Marchand‘s obnoxious kissing/licking of Leo Komarov from Game 1 (see the video above) might just take/taste the cake:

22. After Game 1 of the Toronto/Boston series, the Bruins got a, “We’d prefer if you could tell Brad Marchand to stop licking people” phone call from the NHL.

That said, you wonder if the NHL might have sent the Boston Bruins pest a better message by, say, handing him a fine for unsportsmanlike conduct? The league could have attached a helpful message, such as: “There are better ways to tell Leo Komarov that you like his cologne.”

As a reminder, Marchand addressed his actions after that Game 1 win, not exactly apologizing for his actions:

What is it about Komarov that makes you want to cuddle with him? Brad Marchand: “He’s cute.” pic.twitter.com/bZ4hJgNIq4 — Mark Dunphy (@m_b_dunphy) April 13, 2018

You could say that Marchand had the last laugh being that the Boston Bruins ended up winning the series in Game 7 thanks to last night’s 7-4 win. Then again, Komarov didn’t get to dress for that game, so it doesn’t seem totally fair.

The bottom line is that Marchand revels in this sort of controversy, even as he’s gone from a good player with bad habits to an elite one who still makes questionable decisions.

Even last night’s Game 7 was an example of the kind of competitor he is. While Kasperi Kapanen shook him off for a memorable shorthanded go-ahead goal, Marchand got the last laugh, celebrating after an empty-netter that sapped any remaining drama from the game.

Brad Marchand with the empty net goal and the boxing ref "it's all over" sign with his arms. 7-4 Bruins and all three members of their top line scored a goal in this one. They showed up with the money on the table as most thought they would — Joe Haggerty (@HackswithHaggs) April 26, 2018

While Marchand surely gives the Bruins headaches with his antics and sometimes suspensions – don’t forget that there were years of rumors that his behavior might get him traded, at least before he jumped another level or two – he’s a huge part of a dominant line with Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak. For all we know, Marchand wouldn’t be the same player if he avoided some of the uglier stuff. Hockey is a violent, emotional sport, after all.

Still, if you’re the Tampa Bay Lightning, you must be wondering: “Could we be the team to get the better of Marchand?” Few teams have the firepower to match that top line (not to mention a defender to make life tougher for them in Victor Hedman), so maybe the Bolts will find a way to push Marchand closer to becoming a net-positive?

One thing’s for sure: the NHL will be keeping an eye on what Marchand does, so he better … watch his mouth.

James O’Brien is a writer for Pro Hockey Talk on NBC Sports. Drop him a line at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter @cyclelikesedins.

rikkirikkiparmparm on April 27th, 2018 at 04:05 UTC »

As a reminder, Marchand addressed his actions after that Game 1 win, not exactly apologizing for his actions:

"What is it about Komarov that makes you want to cuddle with him?"

Brad Marchand: “He’s cute.”

Warlord68 on April 27th, 2018 at 03:46 UTC »

Do you really want the “Marchand Rule” to be about not licking other players?!?

design-responsibly on April 27th, 2018 at 01:35 UTC »

So... he's still free to lick players on his own team then