Connor McDavid earned a three-match ban for his high cross-check infraction on January 9, yet hockey fans still can’t stop debating. Despite having nothing to do with whether the Boston Bruins or the Ottawa Senators, McDavid once again became part of the conversation when a Bruins left-winger committed an infraction right in front of a referee.

B/R Open Ice shared a clip from tonight’s match between the Bruins and the Senators, which captured the moment Brad Marchand committed what many believe is a serious infraction. The veteran NHL player took his gloves off while approaching the Senators’ Nick Cousins and immediately went for the choke. Needless to say, the controversial action immediately sparked backlash.

Many fans were stunned at the lack of repercussions against Marchand for his seemingly unprovoked actions. The clip showed Cousins standing with a teammate on the edge of the hockey rink when Marchand committed the infraction, requiring a referee to separate the two. “Worse than what McDavid was suspended for, IMO,” one fan commented, comparing Marchand’s actions with Connor McDavid’s.

While not everyone agreed, there were plenty who did. “If McDavid did that it would be a 10-game suspension,” agreed another fan. Although the netizen’s comment may have been exaggerated, he had more to add. “The league protects punks like Marchand and M. Tkachuk above all others,” added the X user, calling out the NHL’s decision to suspend certain individuals.

The fan highlighted how the NHL Department of Player Safety swiftly handed a suspension to Connor McDavid, for his first infraction in years, while players such as Marchand and Tkachuk get into multiple fights every season. Marchand, for example, has fought five times in the last three seasons, while McDavid’s last suspension-worthy offense came in 2019. However, things could’ve ended badly had the referee not intervened.

How Connor McDavid’s situation differed from the one involving Marchand

Fans continued to vent their frustration at the lack of action against the Boston Bruins forward. “It’s good to know you can physically choke a guy and not get called for a penalty,” another ice hockey fan commented. However, the short verbal back and forth that led to the choke could’ve escalated had the Cousins not exercised restraint while the referee pulled Marchand away.

The issue occurred when Cousins complained to the referee about being taken down, while Marchand argued that the Senators’ player dived. Something similar, albeit more physical, happened on the night Connor McDavid earned his dismissal and later suspension. McDavid and Conor Garland became entangled, and the referees didn’t stop play as Garland held the Oilers forward down.

The intentional action resulted in the Oilers missing a possible scoring chance and McDavid lashing out with a punch followed by a cross-check. However, some fans stated that the incident between Marchand and Cousins should’ve also escalated into a brawl. “How do you NOT start throwing hands when a guy is choking you? Embarrassing for Cousins,” commented one fan.

However, it seems that some players are exercising caution after the NHL made an example of the Edmonton Oilers star. However, at least Connor McDavid’s fans wish to see the NHL deal a similar hand to Marchand. “Better get 3 games for that,” commented another player. Yet, what do you think? Does Marchand’s offense warrant a review? Was it as severe as the 28-year-old’s cross-check on Garland? Let us know in the comments.