Brad Marchand once again found himself embroiled in a media circus following Game 3 after a jab to the back of Columbus defenseman Scott Harrington's head during a scrum late in the third period. Marchand, who was not expected to receive any supplemental discipline from the NHL's Department of Player Safety, said that the play was "unnecessary" but a response to previous whacks against Jake DeBrusk by the Blue Jackets.
"JD was taking a few punches in front of the net from a couple guys, so it was just kind of a reaction to that," said Marchand. "I guess [I regret it] because of having to talk about it today. It's probably not something I'd go back and do it again, but stuff like this happens in hockey.
"And if you watch the play there, Jake took about six punches there from two guys, so it is what it is."
Marchand, who has had his share of run-ins with the league office, said he was not paying attention to the negative reaction surrounding him on social media.
"There's a lot of media attention in the playoffs, and they jump onto things and hold onto it, and it creates a stir," said Marchand. "It is what it is. I'm not overly concerned about what's said in the media and what fans say and stuff like that. It was an unnecessary play, but it is what it is. Games go on, and we're about the next one."
Cassidy said that, as always, it is crucial for Marchand to stay on the right side of the line when it come to balancing his skill and agitation.
"We need him on the ice," said Cassidy. "The way the series has gone, the power play's been crucial both ways, so we've got to make sure that he plays hard between the whistles and that will be the message…we've been dealing with this for a long time, this isn't me just going up to Marchy and saying, 'Knock it off.' It doesn't work that way.
"He's got to find it in himself to make sure and use his teammates around him to help him. Generally, if he starts having some level of success that stuff goes away."
