On May 14, 2014, during a crucial Game 7 between the Boston Bruins and the Montreal Canadiens, Brad Marchand became the center of a heated debate in the hockey world for his conduct rather than his gameplay. The incident, often referenced as the Brad Marchand snowing penalty controversy, overshadowed other aspects of the match and continues to spark discussion among fans and analysts alike.
In the second period, as Montreal goaltender Carey Price secured the puck in his crease, Marchand unexpectedly halted his advance and kicked up a flurry of ice, sending a cloud of snow directly into Price’s face mask. While not explicitly against the rules, this move—known in hockey as “snowing the goalie”—is regarded as unsportsmanlike and disrespectful, especially in a high-stakes playoff game. Officials reacted swiftly, penalizing Marchand for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Although the Bruins successfully killed the penalty, the momentum had clearly shifted in favor of the Canadiens. Holding their lead, Montreal maintained control and ultimately sealed a 3-1 victory at Boston’s home rink, extinguishing the Bruins’ hopes of a championship that season.
Understanding the Impact of ‘Snowing the Goalie’ on the Game
The act of snowing a goalie is widely frowned upon in professional hockey due to the physical discomfort and vision impairment it causes. Seattle Kraken goaltender Philipp Grubauer described the sensation vividly, comparing it to the feeling of cold water being dumped on one’s face and the lingering presence of ice shards stuck in the eyes.
It takes a couple of seconds to take your vision back, and sometimes you need to go to the bench to flush it out. There are small pieces of ice, shards, stuck in your eyes until they melt.
—Philipp Grubauer, Seattle Kraken Goaltender
Beyond the snowing penalty, Marchand’s aggressive style was on display throughout the game, adding to the tension. Earlier, he was penalized again after colliding with Price following what he said was a shove from a defender. This pattern of behavior compromised Boston’s focus in a critical elimination game.
Marchand’s Reflections on His Playoff Struggles
After the game, Marchand openly admitted that his mental focus had faltered during the playoffs, contributing to costly mistakes. He spoke about the trap of becoming complacent and losing intensity, especially when faced with open scoring opportunities.
Sometimes you just get comfortable or complacent and you think when you’re in a situation where you have an open net or what not, you expect it to go in,
—Brad Marchand, NHL Player
He further confessed that distractions and a chip-on-the-shoulder mindset interfered with his ability to play the game cleanly and effectively.
You can get, you can take a little off, expecting that to happen and you don’t bear down,
I think sometimes maybe focusing too much on other stuff and being chippy and not just playing the game. It just didn’t come together.
—Brad Marchand, NHL Player
This loss proved to be a turning point, highlighting the importance of concentration and discipline in high-pressure situations.
How Marchand Rebuilt His Game After Leaving Boston
Following his years with the Boston Bruins, Marchand transitioned to the Florida Panthers during the 2024-25 season, marking the start of a new chapter in his career. This move coincided with a significant shift in his playing style and approach to the game.
He reduced the antics and aggressive provocations that once defined his reputation, channeling his intensity into leadership and consistent performance. His evolution contributed to the Panthers’ back-to-back Stanley Cup victories and his reputation as a valued veteran in the locker room.
Despite his personal growth and success with Florida, the memory of the snowing penalty remains a cautionary tale. It’s a reminder of how one moment, however minor it might seem in isolation, can influence the outcome of a game and linger in the sport’s collective memory.
Marchand’s experience illustrates that in the intensity of playoff hockey, the most pivotal plays sometimes are those players avoid, underscoring the fine line between competitive edge and detrimental mistakes.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Brad Marchand have a hip replacement?
A. On May 27, Boston Bruins player Brad Marchand had hip surgery. Dr. Bryan Kelly performed the operation at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. It will take about six months for him to recover.