Bruins GM Chiarelli on Brad Marchand: 'I think sometimes his antics gets in the way'
Boston Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli held court Friday and addressed a number of comments in the wake of his team's exit from the Stanley Cup playoffs at the hands of the Montreal Canadiens.
One of the topics was forward Brad Marchand, and Chiarelli once again called upon the 26-year-old to tone down the pest act.
“Every year I seem to have this comment about him finding a balance between irritant/agitator and real good player," Chiarelli said, as per Pro Hockey Talk. "I think sometimes his antics gets in the way. This has been a discussion I’ve had, [coach Claude Julien’s] had over the course of three, four, five years, and it’s a challenge for Brad to play that aggressive way and not to cross the line. You’ve heard this from me a lot. … We have to dial back some of that stuff.”
Chiarelli is no doubt referencing Marchand's two minor penalties in a decisive Game 7 against the Canadiens, one of which was called after he snowed goaltender Carey Price.
It's not the first time Chiarelli has made such a comment, as he was forced to address an incident that took place mid-season as well.
Marchand did, however, score 25 goals and has the ability to make meaningful contributions to the team, and will be looking to succeed in his quest for balance in 2014-15 ... if he's not given the Tyler Seguin treatment, that is.
Click here to read Marchand remains important piece for Bruins despite postseason drought via Scott Lewis.