Brad Marchand on NHL's warning him about licking players: 'I think it's pretty stupid'

A.J. Perez | USA TODAY

Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand kept his tongue to himself during Sunday's game, but not after the Tampa Bay Lightning clinched the second-round series in five games with a 3-1 victory.

Marchand took issue with statement that the NHL issued Saturday, which declared he'd face supplemental discipline if he licked an opposing player a third time during the playoffs.

"I think it's pretty stupid," Marchand said. "The whole situation. If that's what they want to do, then that's what they want to do."

Granted, the NHL was basically forced into doing something after Marchand licked the face of Lightning forward Ryan Callahan in Game 4. Earlier in the playoffs, Marchand licked Toronto Maple Leafs forward Leo Komarov.

Neither lick drew a penalty.

Marchand, an All-Star player and three-time 30-goal scorer, also is known as an agitator who will do what he can to get opponents off their game.

More: Lightning advance, have the pieces to win Stanley Cup

More: Marchand's repeat licking makes a mockery of the playoffs

"I saw the directive from the league," Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy told reporters before Game 5. "I talked to Marchy about it (and said), 'That's what the league's asked for and we need you on the ice, we need you playing.' So zip it, or whatever term you used."