“Boys are just battling,” Paul Bissonnette backs Brad Marchand as Leafs fans BASH NHL ‘pest’ for injuring Timothy Liljegren

Once again Brad Marchand is being bashed by Leafs fans, but was the hit on Timothy Liljegren intentional or accidental?


“Boys are just battling,” Paul Bissonnette backs Brad Marchand as Leafs fans BASH NHL ‘pest’ for injuring Timothy Liljegren

Paul Bissonnette supports Brad Marchand against angry Leafs fans [Image Credit: Barrett Sports Media/Imago]

Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand has once again caused a stir on social media. The NHL ‘pest’ successfully irked Toronto Maple Leafs fans by allegedly crashing defenceman Timothy Liljegren into the boards during 1st period of Thursday night’s game.

Surprising to the fan’s notice, the league did not suspend Marchand on his play nor did NHL on-ice official Wes McCauley call him out. While fans are deeply enraged by the situation, former NHLer Paul Bissonnette discussed the incident, supporting Marchand and the NHL’s non-call.

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Not only Bissonnette but also many pundits, and reporters looked into the situation, naming Brad Marchand innocent of this incident. The NHL’s ‘pest’s fame didn’t help the Bruins captain much, as he is one of the most suspended and penalized players in the league.

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“Liljegren initiates contact and they both go into stick battle mode. Marchand outmuscles him the result is the position behind his skate. Not dirty. Boys are just battling.”

While he’s known for physical hits, this round-the-trip call was not his fault, according to several reports. In the video below, it can be seen that the young defenceman tried to make contact with Marchand, but lost to the big build veteran on the physical contact call.

Timothy Liljegren lost his initial balance which later prompted Marchand’s hockey stick to get stuck between the 24-year-old’s leg, ultimately leading to the crash fall. Unfortunately, fans are not convinced by the NHL and are still expecting the league to take some action against him.

Will Brad Marchand appear in the Bruins vs. Red Wings game?

Although Brad Marchand was not present during Boston Bruins practice on Friday, there’s no indication that he’ll not skate on Saturday’s game against the Detroit Red Wings. The NHL Department of Player may further delve into this matter, but as of now, nothing can be said for sure.

Brad Marchand [Image Credit: CBS News]
Brad Marchand [Image Credit: CBS News]

Just like Paul Bissonnette, Matt Larkin of Daily Face-Off believes that hitting Timothy Liljegren was only an “unfortunate incident” but “not dirty” play by any means. Following the hit, Leafs’ coach Sheldon Keefe was seen shouting at Marchand, but when asked the captain only said that “he was just saying ‘hi’. That stays on the ice.”

As of now, it’s only mentioned that Liljegren will not be able to participate in further 2023-24 regular season games. He’s expected to miss “significant time” on ice due to a lower-body injury. Whether Leafs fans will get their wishes fulfilled of seeing Marchand suspended or will be present on ice during the Red Wings game is yet to be seen.

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