Things hot heated between the Florida Panthers and Boston Bruins this afternoon at TD Garden.
After Panthers forward Jonathan Huberdeau kick started the action with an elbow midway through the second period, Bruins pest Brad Marchand took exception. The 29-year-old proceeded to feed Vincent Trochek shots before the rest of the players on the ice jumped in. In a matter of seconds, an entire line brawl ensued between the two clubs.
A series of penalties were handed out afterward. Trochek was awarded a two minute roughing penalty while Marchand was given a four-minute double-minor for the same infraction. Huberdeau did not receive a penalty on the play.
Marchand has found himself in hot water on multiple occasions this season, but today it appeared as though he was simply defending himself. The Halifax native sits second on the Bruins with 55 penalty minutes despite missing 14 games throughout the season (63 GP).
Marchand and the Bruins ultimately had the last laugh as they put a deeper gash into the Panthers’ playoff hopes with a 5-1 win. Florida sits three points behind the Devils with 86 and if the team can make up the difference, they could find themselves in a first round affair with Boston, who catapulted their way into the Eastern Conference’s top spot with the victory.
Things could get interesting if the final stretch plays out in each team’s favour.
(H/T r/Hockey)
