Boston Bruins: Why Brad Marchand is actually wrong

It’s not often that we say Brad Marchand is wrong. He has been the best Boston Bruins player in 2021, but his comments after Boston’s win deserve some criticism.

Marchand has eight goals and eight assists this season. He’s leading the way when it comes to scoring in Boston.

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On Wednesday Marchand had another great game. He scored the game-winning goal in overtime after working his magic on a breakaway.

But there was also some controversy. Jake DeBrusk had a goal denied and the Rangers scored a goal that appeared to be a high stick. Instant replay was used in full force on Wednesday night.

After the game, Marchand didn’t hold back when talking about the use of instant replay in the NHL. It’s safe to say that he isn’t a fan.

"“I just think that being able to challenge all these plays, hockey’s a game of mistakes,” Marchand pointed out. “Not only by the players but by the referees and that’s part of what makes it a good sport. You get your calls against you but you get your calls that go your way too. With all the video, there’s a lot of blame that gets put on the refs but they’re there to make those split-decision calls and now they’re calling them back all the time.”"

Why Boston Bruins winger Brad Marchand is actually wrong.

Now there is part of Marchand’s statement that is true. There needs to be balance when it comes to instant replay. It should be used to confirm goals. When it comes to that aspect of the game mistakes can’t be made.

But there are some times when replay doesn’t need to be used. The most obvious being when it comes to determining offsides calls.

Too often we are left waiting for ages and ages due to officials waiting to see if a player’s skate was off the ice even by a millimeter. This is something that ruins any momentum in a game.

But there is a need for replay. If a goal is scored you need to make sure that the right call is made.

Imagine the impact that a missed call can have? It can change the course of a player’s career. Organizations can see their dreams realized or end up crashing down. When it comes to some things it’s worth getting the call right.

So as much as it pains me to say it, Brad Marchand has it wrong here. When a call doesn’t go the Boston Bruins way he will probably be the first person to complain about it. Maybe instant replay isn’t that bad at all.