Opinion | David Alter: 'The star player should be disciplined for his rough behavior, but the league hasn't been willing to make the tough calls needed to clean up the sport.' - NBCNewsThink
The NHL has dealt with players who have become a problem in the past. Whenattempted to get under the skin of an opposing goaltender by continually waving his stick in his opponents’ face, the NHL changed the rulebook within a day to ensure it didn’t happen again. The league showed that when motivated, it can act.Moreover, the NHL’s supposed desire to favor skill over brutality can only be taken so seriously given that the league still allows fighting.
The remaining playoff games provide an opportunity for the league to show that it deserves to be regarded as a marquee sport in 21st century America. The old argument is that fighting is part of the game. It's tradition and built into the culture. But the culture has changed and the game is more exciting with highlight reel goals of dramatic saves rather than boxing matches on ice.
The remaining playoff games provide an opportunity for the league to show that it deserves to be regarded as a marquee sport in 21st century America. Given Marchand’s record, there is every likelihood that he will cross the line again. Officials must severely punish him, and the Bruins, this time. Brad Marchand is a 100-point player. He should be celebrated and showcased for his skill and not his pestering. But without the necessary discipline, a simple google search about the highlights of the Stanley Cup playoffs won't be topped with his or anyone else’s skills on display. It will feature mistakes and immaturity.David Alter is a freelance sports journalist based in Toronto.
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