Brad Marchand speaks out on NHL officiating, highlighting issues that Sidney Crosby wouldn't

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Joshua Deeds
February 14, 2023 (7:18 PM)

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Brad Marchand is a firebrand within the NHL as one of the very few players who radiates personality, that others in the bigs lack. He is a polarizing figure and a rat on ice and still shows up for his team.

Today he dared to go where few went and added to the criticisms of officiating that only Sidney Crosby went subtly.

«Around the league, whether you call everything chintzy like they did on �CC' or �Lindy' [Hampus Lindholm], or let it all go,» Marchand said. «It can't be half-and-half throughout the game. You know guys have no idea what they can and can't do, but that's part of it.»

Marchand called out the officials during the game in Washington, who in the span of 28 seconds called out three minor penalties. Followed by consecutive calls on Hampus Lindholm and Charlie Coyle for hooking and interference.

The NHL has been regressive in addressing bad officiating, with fining coaches for calling-out officials in the past. Gary Bettman has reinforced the status quo, saying they have the best officiating in professional sports. Marchand's criticism may have more an effect on the perception of the on-ice product as he is one of the louder personalities and with the veteran being correct, the NHL should take it into consideration.