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

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

Sidney Crosby Knees Brad Marchand

Pittsburg Pengiuns forward Sidney Crosby was given a two-minute minor for kneeing Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand. Thoughts?

Brandon Prust on Spearing Brad Marchand

Vancouver Canucks forward Brandon Prust speared Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand in the groin region at the end of Saturday's game. In other words, Marchand was on the wrong end of a cup check. Now, before you start cheering and say that Marchand had it coming. Imagine, if your favorite player had it done to them.

Spearing someone in the balls is bush league move, but it seems to be happening more and more. Apparently, the NHL isn't all that concerned with it either. Prust is getting off lightly with a $5,000.00 fine.

Prust was fined $5000.00 by the NHL for his dirty spear. Apparently Prust is fine with the league's sanction.

“Best money I've ever spent,” Prust said.

Gabriel Landeskog Suspended Two Games For Hit On Brad Marchand

Apparently, you can get a two-game suspension for a hit like this in the NHL. So far, kneeing infractions have been okay.

Colorado's Gabriel Landeskog has been suspended by the NHL for this hit on Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand. Anyone what to defend this hit? Marchand was also fined $5,000 for popping Landeskog.

Colorado's Gabriel Landeskog has been suspended 2 games for an illegal check to the head of Boston's Brad Marchand. https://t.co/e0PHYMclPM

— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) November 13, 2015

Gabriel Landeskog suspended two games for hit, Brad Marchand fined for punch (Video) https://t.co/9ihOmD0KnG #Bruins #NHL #Avalanche

— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) November 13, 2015

Brad Marchand Spears Jonathan Ericsson in the Nads

I am a Boston Bruins fans, and I like Brad Marchand, I think he's a great offensive player. That being said, he's a dirty little punk on the ice. This is a dirty, bush-league play. I am surprised that Marchand hasn't been beaten to a pulp.

(Video) Brad Marchand Embellishment Penalty

I realize that Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand has earned himself a reputation of being a player that embellishes, but this is a horrible call. To quote Andy Brickley, "It's Marchand. That's the problem"

NJD Damon Severson Interference - 2 min against Brad Marchand 16:39
BOS Brad Marchand Embellishment - 2 min against Damon Severson 16:39

Boston Bruins: Brad Marchand Punches Tomas Plekanec before the Face-Off

This happened right before a face-off during the third period of last night's game. Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand punches Montreal Canadiens forward Tomas Plekanec in the side of the head. This isn't going to play well with the Marchand haters. During the regular season, this would have probably started a line braul.

(Video) Brad Marchand snows Carey Price

Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand was given a two-minute penalty for snowing Montreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price, seven seconds into the second period. Fortunately for the Bruins, they were able to kill the Montreal power-play.

(Video) Bruins and Canadiens scrum, Markov spears Chara in the groin (GIF)

Another game, and another cup check. This time Andrei Markov spears Zdeno Chara in the family jewels. I would like to know what the cup check count is up to? You have to give the Canadiens coaching staff credit for not having Alexei Emelin and P.K. Subban on the ice at the end of the game. All in good fun right?

(Video) Montreal Meltdown - Bruins score 4 goals in 8 minutes

I thought it was over when the Montreal Canadiens pushed the lead to 3-1. Then a funny thing happened. The Bruins put it on the table and pushed back and scored four goals in eight minutes. The problem with the Bruins is they started responding to the Habs instead of just playing hockey.

0:56 BOS Dougie Hamilton (2) Snap shot - ASST: Brad Marchand (3), Patrice Bergeron (6) 3 - 2 MTL
14:17 BOS Patrice Bergeron (2) Wrist shot - ASST: Brad Marchand (4) 3 - 3 Tie
16:28 BOS Reilly Smith (3) Wrist shot - ASST: Torey Krug (5), Zdeno Chara (1) 4 - 3 BOS
18:54 BOS EN - Milan Lucic (4) Wrist shot - ASST: David Krejci (3), Kevan Miller (2) 5 - 3 BOS

Brad Marchand responds to the charges that he embellished

Personally for me, I think Brad Marchand is a great hockey player that does his job well. I love watching people get all spun up about him. It's hilarious. Did he take a dive, I don't know, I wasn't on the ice. Did he draw a penalty yes. The fact remains, Marchand was the recipient of a questionable leg-on-leg check. That is a penalty, last time I checked the rule book. What's the on-ice official supposed to do, not give Brendan Smith a penalty?

Marchand on twitter crowd doubting legitimacy of his pain after collision w/Brendan Smith: "Thats why they're on twitter and I'm in the NHL"
— Joe Haggerty (@HackswithHaggs) April 23, 2014

Marchand on injury on Smith hit: "I twisted my knee up a little bit when I landed there. A little scare there. My leg was kind of tingling."
— Craig Custance (@CraigCustance) April 23, 2014

Jonas Hiller Robs Brad Marchand - GIF

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What a save by Jonas Hiller as he robs the "little ball of hate" Brad Marchand.

Boston Bruins: Ducks Goalie Jonas Hiller Robs Brad Marchand in the Blue Paint (Video)

Anaheim goalie Jonas Hiller robs Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand in the blue paint, nice 10-bell save, The Boston Bruins outshot the Ducks 16-3 in the first period.

Jonas Hiller showing off his phenomenal glove. He robs Brad Marchand from the left circle, and frustrating the B's many chances
— Joe Haggerty (@HackswithHaggs) January 8, 2014

Related articles

• Boston Bruins pest Brad Marchand kisses ring finger (ndgoon.blogspot.com)

Yeah in Review 2013

Personally, I think that 2013 was a crummy year, however, it was a very good year for sports. There's been some really nice stories. When it looked like the Boston Bruins were going back to Chicago for game seven, but it wasn't meant to be, as the Blackhawks scored two goals in 17-seconds to win the Stanley Cup over the Boston Bruins.



The last team in the NCAA tourney, wins the NCAA tourney by going through a bunch of one and two seeded teams. Also, Yale becomes the first Ivy League school as well as the first ECAC team since 1989 to win the NCAA title. With the NCAA title win, the ECAC sheds the EZAC label.

The Minnesota Wild sign the big-time free agents Ryan Suter and Zach Parise in the summer of 2012 and the Minnesota make the Stanley Cup for the first time since the 2006-07 season. However, the Wild playoff drive is short lived as they are quickly dispatched in five games (4-1) by the eventual Stanley Cup champion the Chicago Blackhawks.



After much discussion, hand wringing and teeth gnashing, the National Collegiate Hockey Conference begins play in Oxford, Ohio as North Dakota and Miami play in the first ever game. North Dakota would go on to win game one by a score of 4-2.



The Toronto Maple Leafs looked like they were headed to the second-round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Leafs had what looked like a comfortable 4-1 lead. Then the roof fell in on the Maple Leafs during the third period. The Bruins would move on to face the New York Rangers in the second round of the playoffs.



Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand, aka the Little Ball of Hate, would get things rolling in round two of the Stanley Cup Playoffs as the Boston Bruins would win in overtime.

Like I mentioned earlier, personally, for me, 2013 has been one of those years that I will soon hopefully forget, but there's been some great sports stories. Happy New Year and see you next year.

Boston Bruins pest Brad Marchand kisses ring finger

Apparently, Brad Marchand kissed his ring finger that his Stanley Cup Ring sits on and the Boston Bruins hating fans went nuts.

As most Boston Bruins fans know, there's a whole group of NHL fans that hate the Boston Bruins and go nuts no matter what the Boston Bruins do. It's the same thing being a member of the UND fan base as well. I heard about this little incident last night, as I was going home from the Engelstad Arena, after the game last night. I kind of figured some would be getting all spun up about this today.

OK, now that I've seen Marchand kissing his ring finger, I think I'm right -- he made the Cup-raising motion coming off the ice from warmup.
— Jason Brough (@JasonPHT) December 15, 2013

What about kissing the Cup after that? RT @Real_ESPNLeBrun Kesler on Marchand kissing his ring: "Obviously no class."
— Joe Haggerty (@HackswithHaggs) December 15, 2013