We now know why Brad Marchand lost his temper against the Pittsburgh Penguins on February 8th in Boston.
Marchand was suspended six games for punching and hi-sticking Pittsburgh goalie Tristan Jarry. The NHLPA filed an appeal on behalf of Marchand regarding the NHL’s decision to suspend him six games.
This isn't good from Marchand in the final minute of the game. Punch + stick swing on Jarry pic.twitter.com/yrq9Ek8o4i
— Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) February 9, 2022
Marchand had the hearing for his suspension appeal on Friday. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman chose to uphold the six-game suspension handed out to Marchand.
During the hearing, Marchand testified about what Jarry said to set him off. According to reports, the comment Jarry made that set him off was “How about that f—king save?”
The NHL upheld Marchand’s 6-game suspension.
Marchand testified in his hearing that the comment Jarry made that set him off was “How about that f—king save?” https://t.co/HhrFmtoKq0
— Taylor Haase (@TaylorHaasePGH) February 18, 2022
Jarry is referencing a great pad save he made on Marchand seconds before the incident. Jarry stretched out with the left pad to deny Marchand of a sure goal.
Many were speculating Jarry said something controversial to Marchand to make him snap. It’s nice to get clarification that Jarry just exchanged some mild banter with Marchand.
This was an interesting admittance from Marchand considering his incident with the Rangers earlier this season. Artemi Panarin threw his glove at Marchand after the Bruins forward told him “Nobody in Russia likes you”.
Marchand called Panarin “soft” for getting offended by his comment. Here’s Marchand’s full quote about Panarin back in November 2021:
“So, if that is now what is setting guys over the edge, then this is the softest league in the world and nobody should be allowed to say anything because there’s a lot worse things said out there than that. So, [if] that’s what he’s crying about, then it is what it is.” – Brad Marchand
Judging by Marchand’s revelation at his suspension hearing, he may have some explaining to do. It sounds like Marchand can dish it, but he can’t take it.
Marchand can now appeal his suspension to an independent arbitrator if he wishes. If his suspension isn’t cut down, Marchand will return to game action against Seattle on Thursday, Feb. 24 at Climate Pledge Arena.
