Sports

Brad Marchand formally warned after licking Ryan Callahan's face

By Austin Bumpus

BOSTON, MA - MAY 2: Brad Marchand #63 of the Boston Bruins disputes a slashing call during the second period of Game Three of the Eastern Conference Second Round against the Tampa Bay Lightning. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

By Austin Bumpus

BOSTON — Brad Marchand is known for getting under his opponent's skin, but he has a unique way of doing so that he's used in the playoffs.

Marchand made waves during Game 4 of the Bruins' second round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning when he licked Lightning forward Ryan Callahan's face during an altercation.

Callahan had taken offense to a hard hit from Marchand, and punched Marchand in the face during a stoppage of play. Marchand then proceeded to respond not with fists, but with his tongue.

The league wasn't a huge fan of the news, especially considering it wasn't the Bruins forward's first time pulling out the move. They announced on Twitter Saturday that if he does it again, there will be consequences.

Lightning coach Jon Cooper also wasn't fond of the incident, and said the move doesn't belong on the ice.

"There is absolutely no place in our game for that," Cooper said. ”I don't get it. I don't understand it. I don't. How would you feel if I walked over to you right now and gave you one big lick from the chin up?"

>>RELATED: Bruins lose to Tampa in Game 4, now trail 3-1 in series

The two teams will square off in Tampa in Game 5 on Sunday, with the Bruins needing a win to avoid elimination from the playoffs.

Cox Media Group

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