Here’s much better look at the hit Brad Marchand threw at R.J. Umberger in the Bruins’ 3-2 win over Columbus last night:
There was no penalty on the play. But one would have to imagine that there’s supplemental discipline on the way, if the NHL operations people come in from the pool at the GM meetings in Boca Raton, Fla. Of course, as far as I can tell, there’s no mention of the hit in the Globe, Herald or Columbus Post-Dispatch (although it was mentioned in the Post-Dispatch blog), so maybe it didn’t happen.
Published By mattk Wed. March 16, 2011 7:57 am EDT
I love what Marchand has done for the team this year but that was a stupid and bad play. He is lucky the refs didn’t notice. I think he should be suspended but it should only be a game or 2 at the most, given that it will be his first offense.
It was just pointless. Players have to realize that they need to let those “opportunities” go and either don’t touch the guy or go shoulder-to-shoulder.
Good call, Matt. That was BS
Definitely a bad hit. It does look – at least to me when I watched it – like Umberger starts to lean forward as he changes direction to go after the puck, and that a forearm meant for his shoulder ended up being an elbow into his head.
Can’t argue with a suspension though. Clearly elbow hits head, from behind no less.
Hmm, the hit does actually look pretty bad, but Marchand isn’t looking at him at all. If he hadn’t lifted his elbow up, i’d swear incidental contact. Now, not so sure.
I don’t think it would be much more than a couple of games for anyone, but given the Chara situation I wonder if they won’t hand the book to him.
Looks like Seguin will get some more playing time…maybe a game