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We now have a verdict regarding Brad Marchand’s hit on Mike Matheson.
It’s extremely difficult to understand, but Gary Bettman, George Parros, and the National Hockey League have made their decision.
No suspension for Brad Marchand.
It’s the excellent Elliotte Friedman who has just reported this verdict exclusively.
“No hearing for Brad Marchand regarding OT roughing penalty on Mike Matheson.
I admit I’m surprised, I thought there would be for the contact to the head.
My suspicions on why it won’t be a suspension:
NHL felt it was a penalty on the ice, that’s it
Marchand elbow low and tucked; Matheson low to ice.
– Elliotte Friedman
An NHL verdict that really doesn’t sit well with everyone
Tuesday night, Brad Marchand raised plenty of eyebrows against the Canadiens.
In overtime against the Florida Panthers, Marchand was penalized for roughing Mike Matheson.
The sequence turned into a power play, and Nick Suzuki quickly made them pay on the scoreboard to complete the Habs’ comeback.
What’s shocking is the contact to the head, and the fact that no hearing will be announced.
Marchand, everyone knows his reputation. In the end, that’s what makes this situation hard to swallow for many fans.
Yes, there was a penalty, but nothing more from the Department of Player Safety for a move many consider avoidable.
Let’s call it what it is: it’s incomprehensible, but it’s very NHL like.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics