rewrite this title Elliotte Friedman left ‘surprised’ by Brad Marchand penalty decision

NHL analyst Elliotte Friedman discusses the NHL’s decision on Brad Marchand. The league chose not to hold a hearing on Marchand for his hit on Montreal Canadiens defenseman Mike Metheson. Marchand received only an in-game penalty, and no fine or suspension followed.

Friedman shared his view on X after the game, saying he believed head contact usually draws further review.

“No hearing for Brad Marchand regarding OT roughing penalty on Mike Matheson. I admit I’m surprised, I thought there would be for the contact to the head. My suspicions on why it won’t be a suspension: NHL felt it was a penalty on the ice, that’s it. Marchand elbow – low and tucked; Matheson low to ice.”

The incident happened in Tuesday’s overtime game between the Florida Panthers and the Canadiens. The Habs won the game 3-2 in the extra period. Matheson was first pressured along the boards by Sam Bennett. While playing the puck, Matheson was then checked by Marchand. As seen in the video, his right elbow made contact with Matheson’s head.

Officials called a two-minute roughing minor at 1:27 of overtime. The penalty directly impacted the result, as Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki scored on the power play. The goal completed Montreal’s comeback win. Cole Caufiled and Suzuki had tied the game 2-2 late in the third period after trailing the Panthers 2-0

This season, Marchand was fined once for unsportsmanlike conduct in October. The NHL player safety had posted on X, writing,

“Florida’s Brad Marchand has been fined $5,000, the maximum allowable under the CBA, for unsportsmanlike conduct for his actions during yesterday’s game against Buffalo.”

Marchand continues to produce for Florida. He has 23 goals and 45 points in 38 games. He ranks among the league leaders in goals. His power-play work remains important for the defending Stanley Cup Champions, the Panthers.

Brad Marchand’s tribute night from the Panthers

Before the game against Montreal, the Panthers gave a tribute to Brad Marchand, completing 1000 points in his NHL career earlier. His wife, Katrina Sloane, his kids, and his parents were present to celebrate.

The timing of the decision could’ve been drastic for Brad Marchand, because Florida’s next game is the 2026 Winter Classic. The matchup takes place in Miami against the NY Rangers, and Marchand is one of the event’s featured players.

Marchand has also been named to Team Canada’s Olympic roster. He will compete at the 2026 Games in Italy, alongside Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, and Nathan MacKinnon.

Edited by Ankit Kumar