Brad Marchand’s NHL career has been marked by many notable incidents, but the 2014 playoff Game 7 between the Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens remains one of the most remembered. During the second period, Marchand approached goalie Carey Price and deliberately sprayed ice into his mask, an act known as snowing the goalie. This unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, called by the referees, had a significant impact on the game and Boston’s chances.
Marchand’s snowing penalty followed an earlier collision with Price, which also drew a two-minute penalty. Together, these penalties cost the Bruins four crucial minutes of gameplay in a match they ultimately lost 3-1, damaging their hopes for a Stanley Cup that season.
The Fallout and Marchand’s Own Reflections on the Incident
Reflecting on those penalties, Marchand expressed frustration at the calls but acknowledged their finality.
“I didn’t know they were calling a penalty on either one, but that’s how it goes,”
he said.
“Once they make a call they can’t take it back so you’ve just got to let it go…”
His remarks reveal the frustration and tension that lingered around the incident, as those minutes spent in the penalty box undermined Boston’s pursuit of their second Stanley Cup after their 2011 victory.
Regarding the snowing penalty specifically, Marchand admitted surprise and irritation:
“I had no idea they were even calling that. Definitely frustrating. Even the first one, getting cross-checked in the head and taking out Carey [Price]. It’s tough, but you’ve got to play through it…”
Snowing the Goalie: A Persistent Issue in the NHL
This controversial tactic of deliberately throwing ice in goalies’ faces has become a recognized offense across the NHL and is considered disrespectful. The Marchand incident is far from isolated; in January 2022, Kyle Connor of the Winnipeg Jets committed a similar act against Juuse Saros of the Nashville Predators. Such penalties can abruptly shift momentum and, as seen in the Bruins’ case, cause lasting damage to a team’s prospects.
Other Controversial Moments in Marchand’s Career
Brad Marchand’s history of contentious plays extends beyond the snowing penalty. In January 2015, he slew-footed Derick Brassard of the New York Rangers, causing Brassard to crash into the boards and risk serious injury. The NHL’s player safety department held a hearing, resulting in Marchand’s two-game suspension.
Brassard described the incident bluntly:
“Yeah, [I felt it was dirty]. You go in the corner with him and you go shoulder-to-shoulder, but he brings his leg in the back. I felt I got a slew-foot there. …I don’t want to be a crybaby or anything, but it could be dangerous, …”
He further added,
“The way I fell on the ice, maybe I could have missed the rest of the season if I hurt my knee there. Marchand’s a pretty good player. He’s feisty. He competes hard. But those kind of things we don’t want in our game.”
Marchand’s pattern of risky behavior continued in November 2021 when he slew-footed Oliver Ekman-Larsson of the Vancouver Canucks, earning a three-game suspension. These recurring incidents emphasize the tension and potential harm that Marchand’s aggressive style brings to the ice.
Why These Moments Matter for the Bruins and Beyond
The snowing penalty incident and Marchand’s other penalties highlight the thin line between competitive edge and costly mistakes in the NHL. For the Boston Bruins, Marchand’s penalties in the 2014 playoffs remain a painful reminder of how quickly fortunes can shift, ultimately delaying their chance to claim another Stanley Cup. Moving forward, the NHL continues to monitor such actions closely to protect players and maintain fair play, reflecting growing concern about player safety and sportsmanship on the ice.