Bruins’ Brad Marchand gets in Ryan Callahan’s face in Game 4 of the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs
Brad Marchand is at it again, and he sure knows how to make the headlines.
The Hallifax, Nova Scotia native appears to have a new trademark lately, which entails borderline licking or kissing his opponents somewhere in the face region. Just ask Tampa Bay Lightning forward, Ryan Callahan, about Marchand’s latest antics.
Marchand and Callahan began to get in each other’s faces during the second period of Game 4, after Callahan didn’t appreciate a (questionable) low hit on the former New York Rangers captain. Yet, Marchand took it a little too literal, as noted above, the 29-year-old got in the face of Callahan.
The World of Twitter wasted no time getting to this one, either…
#NHLBruins Brad Marchand’s licking continues. His next victim: #GoBolts Ryan Callahan. pic.twitter.com/UgputXRkhZ
— Boston Bruins on CLNS (@BruinsCLNS) May 5, 2018
Brad Marchand again.#MayThe4thBeWithYou #TSNHockey pic.twitter.com/lRQLoyBo8S
— TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) May 5, 2018
NBC’s Jeremy Roenick made it clear that he’s not a fan of the agitators recent actions.
Watching the replay of Brad Marchand licking Callahan’s face.😷 pic.twitter.com/ILFxyELzEd
— Jeremy Roenick (@Jeremy_Roenick) May 5, 2018
NHL reportedly asked Brad Marchand to stop licking other players https://t.co/CIstjsUskv
— NBC Sports Hockey (@NBCSportsHockey) April 26, 2018
It was reported that the NHL contacted Marchand about his odd actions, but No. 63 appeared to deny the request happened.
Marchand would later get a sweet assist (Bergeron delflection) 6:36 into the third period to put the Bruins ahead, 3-2. However, Steven Stamkos would then tie things up at 3-3 in the period, and the contest would head to overtime for the first time in the series.
Bergeron's second of the game is a shorthanded goal. pic.twitter.com/KNPXG0YdKq
— NHL GIFs (@NHLGIFs) May 5, 2018
Marchand probably didn’t want to face the media during the postgame…the Bolts would go on to win 3:18 into the extra frame, after Tampa Bay defenseman Dan Girardi deflected the game-winning goal in off of a feed from Alex Killorn.
Girardi scores the OT winner. pic.twitter.com/tOg2rPnUiA
— NHL GIFs (@NHLGIFs) May 5, 2018
As for Callahan, it may have been bittersweet to see his former New York Rangers teammate get the game-winner.
Expect there to be some sort of address and ruling moving forward, so that there won’t be anymore licking taking place on the ice in the NHL.
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Kyle McKenna covers the NHL for Hooked On Hockey Magazine. He can be reached on Twitter (@KMcKenna_tLT5)