Brad Marchand Taken Out by Sam Bennett, Bruins Have Bigger Problems

On Friday night in Boston, Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett took out Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand with a questionable play. It was very subtle, but you can see the intent. Some will say that since it's Marchand, we will excuse the questionable play. He had it coming anyway, right? Bennett is known to be a dirty player who takes liberties against the opposition on the ice. This is a known fact.

okay I know my opinion but I'm curious, did Bennett sucker (rabbit) punch Marchand here or not? probably doesn't matter, but I'm curious what the masses think.#NHLBruins | @OnlyBruinsPod pic.twitter.com/FsECQMF8CS

— PrimeTime Brett (@bretthoward_) May 11, 2024

Here's a different angle of the hit in question.

Here’s another angle of the Bennett sucker punch#NHLBruins | @BruinSomethin pic.twitter.com/5vJGmXlpSh

— Michael Sullivan (@_MikeSullivan) May 11, 2024

Boston Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery didn't pull any punches, "there's clear evidence of what went on." According to Montgomery, Marchand is day-to-day with an upper-body injury.

“People can say it wasn’t intentional, but we have our view of it.”

Jim Montgomery‘s full comments on the Sam Bennett-Brad Marchand collision that injured the Bruins captain. pic.twitter.com/1sgAehh4QH

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) May 11, 2024

No matter how you feel about the hit, the Bruins have bigger problems. Once again, the Panthers are living rent-free in the Bruins' heads. If the Bruins don't start playing and stop worrying about what the Panthers are doing, this series is going to be over in five games. Someone needs to step up and start making plays. 

What's even more concerning is that none of the Bruins responded to the hit on their captain. If the players actually played by the hockey code, one of the leaders on the Bruins would have a chat with Matthew Tkachuk; he would tell him that if you take any more liberties with our players, we're going to start with the star players and go from there. 

UPDATE: Here's a better look at Sam Bennett's fist to Marchand's face. You can see it's a dirty hit that should've resulted in a look from the NHL's Department of Players Safety. 

Army, Ace and Biz went back to the tape on the shot Sam Bennett gave to Brad Marchand in Game 3 and they got some thoughts 👀 @armdog @ansoncarterla @biznasty2point0 pic.twitter.com/kqJRr2px5V

— NHLonTNT (@NHL_On_TNT) May 12, 2024

Toronto D-Man Jake McCabe Cross Checks Brad Marchand, Is There a Suspension Coming?

From the dirty hits department. At the 3:54 mark of the first period, Maple Leafs defenseman Jake McCabe cross-checks Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand in the head area. Bruins forward Jake DeBrusk responds to McCabe's dirty cross-check. The VBruins were given a 5-on-3 power play. However, there was no call on McCabe. I expect that McCabe is going to get a call from the NHL's Department of Player Safety. No Leafs fans, just because the hit was on Marchand doesn't make this hit okay. Finally, does McCabe get a fine or a suspension? This season, Boston is 2-0-1 against the Leafs. 

McCabe crosschecks DeBrusk and Marchand high pic.twitter.com/lbpPgLzJ0i

— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) March 8, 2024

What's the Difference Between Hathaway's and Smith's Hits?

Tonight in Boston, at the 13:57 mark of the second period, San Jose Sharks forward Givani Smith boarded Brad Marchand, and for his efforts, Smith was assessed a two-minute minor penalty for boarding. Smith wasn't awarded any extra penalty minutes for his extracurricular activity, post-hit. Boston Bruins defenseman Derek Forbort took notice and grabbed Smith. Derek Forbort was assessed a two-minute minor for roughing.

Givani Smith hits Brad Marchand from behind and the Bruins immediately come to Marchand’s defense: pic.twitter.com/3NsHLU9q6N

— Evan Marinofsky (@EvanMarinofsky) December 1, 2023

About five minutes later, at the 19:06 mark of the second period, Bruins forward Trent Frederic and Givani Smith engaged in hand-to-hand combat. This was a direct response to Smith's dirty hit on Brad Marchand. Since the on-ice officials aren't going to protect the players, the players will have to take matters into their own hands. 

Trent Frederic and Givani Smith drop the gloves. pic.twitter.com/psGaKCdk0O

— Conor Ryan (@ConorRyan_93) December 1, 2023

Meanwhile in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At the 16:15 mark of the first period, Flyers forward Garnet Hathaway earned himself an early shower with this dirty hit. Why was this a penalty? It was going to be an icing call. When the final box score is posted it will read Garnet Hathaway Boarding against Luke Hughes, five-minute major, and a game misconduct. I wonder if he will get a call from the NHL's Department of Player Safety. Probably not. 

Garnet Hathaway gets a game misconduct for boarding Luke Hughes... pic.twitter.com/nx2iONNErW

— Broad Street Hockey (@BroadStHockey) December 1, 2023

If you put these two plays side-by-side why is one a minor and the other a major? Both plays are dangerous and seem worthy of a five-minute major and a game misconduct.  You can see for yourself.

If you had to guess which one got a major and which didn’t who would you pick? Smith on the left or Hathaway on the right? This leagues a joke pic.twitter.com/sstxysXpkX

— OnlyBruins (@OnlyBruinsPod) December 1, 2023

Charlie McAvoy Should Expect a Call From the NHL's DoPS

Monday in Boston, at the 09:28 mark of the third period, Boston Bruins D-Man Charlie McAvoy was given a 5-minute match penalty for this hit on Oliver Ekman-Larsson. It was an unnecessary, dirty hit, there was no reason for this hit. For his efforts, McAvoy will probably get at least a one or two-game suspension. Luckily, it didn't cost the Bruins the game. 

Charlie McAvoy can expect a call from Player Safety tomorrow... maybe he should plan a short vacation, say, 3-4 games or so.

Match penalty for the hit. Suspension should be incoming.pic.twitter.com/CdWzQnVq6a

— Scouting The Refs (@ScoutingTheRefs) October 31, 2023

The Bruins were able to kill the penalty and rallied for a 3-2 win in overtime. Bruins forward Pavel Zacha scored the game-winning goal at the 3:36 mark of overtime. What a beautiful goal by Zacha.

Pavel Zacha wins it in overtime for the Bruins. pic.twitter.com/n13FiVVcgU

— Conor Ryan (@ConorRyan_93) October 31, 2023

Is Jimmy Vesey Headed To the Boston Bruins

Hobey Baker Memorial Award winner and former Harvard All-American forward Jimmy Vesey says that the Boston Bruins are on his list of teams that he would like to sign with. (Boston Herald)

“I think the Bruins will definitely be on my list of teams,” said the 22-year-old Vesey, who will become an unrestricted free agent August 15 – with probably 30 NHL teams salivating at the prospect at getting the Hobey Baker Award winner’s signature on a contract.

Leafs and Bruins Game-Ending Dust Up

The Toronto Maple Leafs are a bunch of goons. :-)

3-1 #NHLBruins! Empty-netter from Matt Beleskey with 49.5 on the clock in the third.

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) March 27, 2016

Former Teammates: Adam McQuaid vs. Shawn Thornton fight

Two former teammates fight after a questionable hit. The combatants Boston Bruins defenseman Adam McQuaid and Florida Panthers forward Shawn Thornton. McQuaid didn't even look like he wanted to fight Thornton.

Fighting is and should remain part of hockey. Thornton fight and subsequent comeback just more proof why.

— Jimmy Murphy (@MurphysLaw74) March 8, 2016

Bruins' Zac Rinaldo Suspended Five-Games for Dirty Hit

The National Hockey League's department of Player Safety has suspended Zac Rinaldo for this dirty hit on Tampa Bay Lightning forward Cedric Paquette. At the time of the hit, I was surprised that Rinaldo was only given a two-minute penalty. These are the types hits that hockey is trying to remove from the game of hockey.

NEW YORK - Boston Bruins forward Zac Rinaldo has been suspended for five games, without pay, for an illegal check to the head of Tampa Bay Lightning forward Cedric Paquette during NHL Game No. 933 in Boston on Sunday, Feb. 28, the National Hockey League's Department of Player Safety announced today.

Rinaldo is also a four-time, repeat offender that obviously hasn't learned his lesson. This past week, Rinaldo was put on waivers by the Boston Bruins and is now in Providence. For the most part, Rinaldo brings nothing to the table, except for penalty minutes and is a waste of a roster spot Rinaldo also adds little in the way of offense and has only scored. This season, Rinaldo has scored a meager (1g-2a—3pts) in 52 games.
 

(Video) Zac Rinaldo Vicious Check on Cedric Paquette

The first question out of my mouth: will this hit receive some extra scrutiny from the National Hockey League's Department of Players safety?

Before you jump down my throat, I am a Boston Bruins fan. But it does appear that Bruins forward Zac Rinaldo caught Tampa Bay Lightning forward Cedric Paquette in the head/jaw with his shoulder. Rinaldo was given a two-minute penalty for illegal contact to the head.

Aren't these the types of hits that were trying to remove from the game of hockey?

Bruins Pastrnak Scores on the Power Play Against the Penguins

This is the third penalty shot goal of the season for the Boston Bruins. While I am sure that Pittsburgh Penguins fans will disagree with the call. Defenseman Derrick Pouliot's stick penalty prevented a scoring chance by David Pastrnak. Reading the NHL's penalty shot rule, I believe this is the right call.

53.6 Penalty Shot - If a player on a breakaway in the neutral or attacking zone is interfered with by a stick or any other object or piece of equipment that is thrown by any member of the defending team, including the Coach or any non-playing Club person, a penalty shot shall be awarded to the non-offending team. See also Rule 57.3 – Tripping for fouls from behind to a player on a breakaway. (Cont)

57.3 Penalty Shot - When a player, in the neutral or attacking zone, in control of the puck (or who could have obtained possession and control of the puck) and having no other opponent to pass than the goalkeeper, is tripped or otherwise fouled from behind, thus preventing a reasonable scoring opportunity, a penalty shot shall be awarded to the non-offending team. Nevertheless, the Referee shall not stop play until the attacking team has lost possession of the puck to the defending team. (NHL Rule Book)

With Pastrnak's goal, this marks the first time in #NHLBruins history the team has tallied 3 penalty shot goals in one season.

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) February 25, 2016

Matt Beleskey Knee-on-Knee hit on Gustav Nyquist

Boston Bruins forward Matt Beleskey puts a knee-on-knee hit on Detriot Red Wings forward Gustav Nyquist. This is a dangerous hit and needs to be eliminated from the game of hockey. There was no penalty assessed on the play and Nyquist appeared shaken up on the play.

Pavel Datsyuk Scores his 10th Goal of the Year: (Justin Abdelkader High-Stick)

Two goals by the Detriot Red Wings and they were both semi-controversial. Red Wings forward Pavel Datsyuk scores his 10th goal of the year. From the video, it appears that Red Wings forward Justin Abdelkader touched the puck with a high-stick. Thoughts?

Rask likely looking for a high stick call there. Play not reviewed. #NHLBruins still up, 3-2, late in the first.

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) February 14, 2016

Datsyuk on the power play. Or again, is it? Abdelkader might have gotten a stick on Richards' shot above the crossbar.

— Bruins Daily (@BruinsDaily) February 14, 2016

Goal stands as Datsyuk tallies his 900th career NHL point. Tuukka saves the Bruins' bacon off a turnover shortly after.

— Bruins Daily (@BruinsDaily) February 14, 2016

(2/2) Possible high stick by Abdelkader not a reviewable play by Situation Room. Goal by Datsyuk then entered Boston net in a legal fashion.

— Jack Edwards (@RealJackEdwards) February 14, 2016

Henrik Zetterberg goal versus Boston (Coaches Challenge)

Detroit Red Wings forward Henrik Zetterberg scored his 11th goal of the season, but it appears that he might have been a bit lucky. Although the video was not able to confirm, Red Wings forward Justin Abdelkader "might" have been offsides at the blue line. The Bruins challenged the play, and as usual, they lost. So, was the play offsides or not?

#NHLBruins using their Coach's Challenge.

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) February 14, 2016

The call on the ice stands. Good goal. 1-1 game.

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) February 14, 2016

Update: Ducks Chris Stewart Fights Bruins Tory Krug

That being said, props to Boston Bruins defenseman Tory Krug for taking on the Anaheim Ducks Nethanderal Chris Stewart. Apparently, Stewart didn't want to fight Krug.

Krug told the Boston media after the game, however, that he was the one who initiated the scrap, which followed a late hit by Ducks winger David Perron on Bruins D-man Kevan Miller. Stewart, he said, wanted no part of it.

Big scrum after Goose makes a stop, and then Krug & Chris Stewart drop 'em. Torey heads to the box to a loud chorus of KRUUUUUUG

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) January 27, 2016

Chris Stewart having words with Chara after that last whistle. Feeling his oats after his fight with Krug? #NHLBruins #Ducks

— Rhonda R. McClure (@HockeyMaven1917) January 27, 2016

(Video) Wayne Simmonds Goal; Flyers Were Offsides

Even in the National Hockey League, where the on-ice officials are trained professional, they still blow calls. And they blew this call.

Tonight, the linemen in the Boston Bruins Philadephia Flyers game missed a call at the Bruins blue line. If you look at the video, you will see that Flyers forward Michael Del Zotto was offside. He was already in the offensive zone before the puck crossed the blue line. I watched the video 10 times and I agree with Jack Edwards, this was offside.

Simmonds goal looks to be offsides to me, but those dang tablets! pic.twitter.com/GkEWZxxwCI

— StanleyCup ofChowder (@cupofchowdah) January 26, 2016

Brad Marchand Suspended 3 Games

I actually thought that Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand was going to receive a longer suspension than three games. Missing the Winter Classic is a big deal, too. Marchand leaves his team in a precarious situation, they're already missing David Krejci due to an injury.


“It was a simple play. I was trying to get to the puck carrier and I turned up ice and he was kind of standing there. I just turned up and tried to go after the puck carrier,” Marchand told the Boston media after Tuesday's game.

Brad Marchand's next game will be Jan. 9 .... against Borowiecki & the Senators.

— Matt Kalman (@TheBruinsBlog) December 31, 2015

Marchand to Have Hearing for Dirty Hit on Borowiecki

Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand is a great offensive talent, but he's also a flawed player. Marchand plays with an edge and shows no respect for the opposition. Last night, Marchand crossed that line again and he's going to pay for it. I predict that Marchand will miss the Winter Classic on Friday.

Marchand is a repeat offender and is about to receive yet another long suspension. Looking at the play in question, I don't see any way that Marchand escapes justice from the NHL's department of Plyers safety. The puck is nowhere near Marchand and he low bridges Mark Borowiecki.

I think the league has to make a stand this time. This is also the same type of play that landed him a five-game suspension in 2011. In last night's game, Marchand also speared Senators forward Kyle Turris. 

Again, did I mention that Marchand is a dirty player and a repeat offender. I am also a Boston Bruins fan, but I have seen enough shenanigans from this guy. Marchand needs to feel the burn.

Brad Marchand / Brad Marchand to have discipline hearing with NHL over low hit https://t.co/sB8yF7Y4U8 #NHL #BOS

— Boston Bruins (@BostonBruinsNHL) December 30, 2015

Department of Player Safety Looking at Brad Marchand's Dirty Hit on Mark Borowiecki

Just when you think that he's turned the corner, Boston Bruins forward Marchand does something else that's incredibly stupid. In 2012, Marchand has been suspended five games for a hit similar to this, so he could be in trouble again. Brad Marchand flips Mark Borowiecki.

So, does Marchand deserved another suspension? I think he's going to have a hard time avoiding one this time. It's also a poorly thought out move because he could end up missing the Winter Classic against the Canadians. The Bruins are already shorthanded and missing key players.

Per a source, Brad Marchand low hit on Mark Borowiecki is under review by NHL Player Safety Department

— Joe Haggerty (@HackswithHaggs) December 30, 2015

Should Brad Marchand be suspended for this low hit? @Sportsnet https://t.co/AOrMQs5w70

— NHL_Update_ (@NHL_Update_) December 30, 2015

(Video) Boston and Senators line brawl

What an ending tonight in Boston. The Boston Bruins fans got their monies worth tonight as their team beat up and beat the Ottawa Senators 7-3. The Bruins were lead by Jimmy Hayes that recorded that hat trick.

In my opinion, this is how you respond to a visiting team tries to rough you up in your own building.

NESN play-by-play announcer Jack Edwards, "We've got a line dance potential going here."

The Box Score will read:
19:33 OTT Chris Neil Instigator - 2 min against Adam McQuaid
19:33 OTT Chris Neil Fighting (maj) - 5 min against Adam McQuaid
19:33 OTT Max McCormick Misconduct (10 min) - 10 min against Adam McQuaid
19:33 OTT Mark Borowiecki Misconduct (10 min) - 10 min
19:33 OTT Dave Dziurzynski Fighting (maj) - 5 min
19:33 BOS Adam McQuaid Misconduct (10 min) - 10 min
19:33 BOS Zac Rinaldo Fighting (maj) - 5 min
19:34 BOS Kevan Miller Misconduct (10 min) - 10 min
19:38 BOS Matt Beleskey Misconduct (10 min) - 10 min 19:38 OTT Zack Smith Misconduct (10 min) - 10 min

Don't Poke the Bear: Zdeno Chara Rag Dolls Mark Borowiecki

Don't poke the bear. I think the on-ice officials did a good job in recognizing that this was going to be a miss match and stopped it before it got out of control.

Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara was ready to lay some smack down on the Ottawa Senators   Mark Borowiecki when he was rescued by the on-ice officials. I also have to give credit to Chara, he didn't hit Borowiecki when he was down.