Brad Marchand was in fine form Tuesday night.
The Boston Bruins forward ruffled some feathers during a 2-1 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets in Game 3 of their second-round series, but he avoided supplemental discipline for a cheap shot he landed on Scott Harrington late in the game.
After a stoppage in play with 1:01 remaining in regulation during a scrum near the Columbus net, Marchand punched Harrington in the back of the head before scurrying away.
The cowardly move went unnoticed by officials so Marchand avoided a penalty but it had some thinking it warranted some form of punishment.
Sportsnet’s John Shannon confirmed Wednesday morning, however, that the NHL’s department of player safety won’t be getting involved.
Marchand is regarded as the NHL’s ultimate pest so plays like this are nothing new for the four-time 30-goal scorer.
Although most of the post-game chatter revolved around Marchand punching Harrington, it wasn’t even the most egregious shot to the head he doled out in the game.
Midway through the second period, Marchand decked Blue Jackets forward Boone Jenner with a cross check to the face.
Now, Marchand was assessed two minutes for high-sticking on this play but this is the type of play more likely to warrant a suspension compared to what he did to Harrington.
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