With less than five minutes to go in the second period, Zack Smith of the Ottawa Senators dropped opposing defender Matt Grzelcyk in the corner. Grzelcyk had his first full season of NHL hockey last year.
It’s clear Marchand didn’t like the hit, as he was jawing at Smith as he was skating to the Senators’ bench. Smith had a smile on his face and then the pair dropped the mitts.
The fight didn’t amount to much and it appeared that Smith was the only participant who came close to landing a punch.
Marchand is the villain in many eyes of the NHL fanbase, but you gotta admit it’s neat to see a star stand up for a player trying to make a name for himself.
Marchand may have been looking for a tussle, but stood up for a young roster member in the process.