The NHL has finally gotten sick of the lick. The league has told Bruins forward Brad Marchand to keep his tongue to himself, if not he could face supplemental discipline.
NHL’s Colin Campbell spoke with Boston’s Brad Marchand and GM Don Sweeney today. The League put the player on notice that his actions last night are unacceptable and similar behavior in the future will be dealt with by way of supplemental discipline.
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) May 5, 2018
Marchand got himself in hot water once again after he licked Lightning forward Ryan Callahan in the face after a brief scuffle in the second period of last night’s 4-3 overtime loss to the Lightning.
#NHLBruins Brad Marchand’s licking continues. His next victim: #GoBolts Ryan Callahan. pic.twitter.com/UgputXRkhZ
— Boston Bruins on CLNS (@BruinsCLNS) May 5, 2018
Needless to say Callahan wasn’t too thrilled with the gesture.
“I don’t know what the difference between that is and spitting in somebody’s face, said Callahan after last night’s game. “If I’m not mistaken, spitting is a game misconduct, if not a gross. I don’t know what the difference is there, if it’s not worse. I’m just surprised that something isn’t done. I don’t know what the difference is between spitting in someone’s face and licking it.”
Marchand was short and sweet when asked about why he did what he did.
“[Callahan] punched me four times in the face,” said Marchand. “He just kept getting close. Nothing big.”
Marchand’s first lick came during Game 1 of the team’s first-round series with the Toronto Maple Leafs when he licked forward Leo Komarov.
How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Maple Leaf? #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/UFO1UFVO7Y
— NHL on NBC Sports (@NHLonNBCSports) April 13, 2018
Marchand hasn’t been penalized in either instance not has the league suspended or fined him but that is obviously going to change should Marchand have any trouble keeping his tongue to himself in the future.
With the Bruins trailing the Lightning 3-1 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals he may not get many more chances. At least not this season.
