Brad Marchand’s hit on Mike Matheson during Tuesday night’s game has hockey fans fired up and calling for serious consequences.
Social media erupted after the Bruins forward took a run at Matheson, with fans and observers demanding suspensions and fines.
“Marchand should be suspended for this shot to Matheson’s head. The head was the main point of contact, and the contact was avoidable,” one fan pointed out, citing Rule 48 of the NHL rulebook.
The timing of the incident has many wondering if Marchand might miss the upcoming Winter Classic – a showcase event that teams and players look forward to all season.
“Blatant elbow to the chin,” another observer wrote. “Dumb, dumb play by the veteran.”
The hit immediately sent the Canadiens to the power play, but many think that’s not enough punishment for what they saw as a deliberate headshot.
It’s not the first time Marchand has found himself in hot water for on-ice incidents. The veteran forward has a history of controversial plays that have landed him in trouble with the NHL’s Department of Player Safety.
Now fans are watching closely to see how the league responds to this latest incident.
