Brad Marchand’s Infamous Face-Licking Incident: A Controversial NHL Playoff Moment
Former Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand made headlines for all the wrong reasons during the 2018 NHL playoffs, when he was caught on camera licking Tampa Bay Lightning’s Ryan Callahan during a heated on-ice confrontation.
This wasn’t an isolated incident—earlier in the playoffs, Marchand had also licked Toronto Maple Leafs’ Leo Komarov in a separate altercation. These unusual actions drew widespread criticism from fans, media, and league officials.
The NHL’s Reaction to Marchand’s Actions
Should Brad Marchand be penalized for licking his opponents?
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— Hockey Night in Canada (@hockeynight) May 5, 2018
While Marchand wasn’t penalized during the games, the NHL took action afterward, issuing a formal reprimand and a warning. The league made it clear that such behavior would not be tolerated, prompting discussions about sportsmanship and conduct in professional hockey.
At first, Marchand downplayed the controversy, brushing off criticism and refusing to acknowledge any wrongdoing. However, after the Bruins were eliminated from the playoffs, he had a change of heart and admitted his behavior was inappropriate.
> “I think the biggest thing for me now is to really take a pretty hard look in the mirror and realize that some of the things I’m doing have much bigger consequences than I may ever think or really believe will come out of it,” Marchand admitted, as reported by Sportsnet.
He recognized that his lack of judgment had consequences and acknowledged the embarrassment his actions brought to his teammates and the Bruins organization.
> “The last thing I ever want to do is bring the embarrassment on my teammates and the organization that it did. I have to be a lot better. I know I’ve said that in the past, but I think that’s going to be the thing that I really work on the most,” he stated.
Ryan Callahan’s Response to the Incident
Tampa Bay Lightning’s Ryan Callahan did not hold back in his response to the bizarre moment, equating Marchand’s licking to spitting on someone’s face.
> “I don’t know if there is discipline for spitting in someone’s face. But for me, it’s worse, if not the same,” Callahan said in an interview with ESPN.
Historically, the NHL had a “gross misconduct” penalty, which covered unsportsmanlike actions like Marchand’s, but this rule was removed in 2006 due to overlap with other penalties. Today, Rule 75 governs such behavior, allowing for minor penalties, game misconducts, and further disciplinary action for obscene or provocative gestures.
Marchand’s Reputation and Legacy
Marchand has long been known as one of the NHL’s biggest agitators, constantly toeing the line between hard-nosed play and controversial antics. While his talent on the ice is undeniable, incidents like the face-licking controversy have contributed to his reputation as a player who often courts controversy.
In hindsight, the 2018 licking scandal remains one of the most bizarre moments in modern NHL history, serving as a lesson in professional conduct and the impact of actions beyond the scoreboard.