Emma Lingan and Siobhan Nolan discuss the Bruins after their so-so start. Brad Marchand [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjEwMjE4MTM3NzE3NTgxMDA0/usatsi_24560496_168400847_lowres.jpg] Brad Marchand In the modern age of pro sports, everything that happens in front of a video camera is hyper-scrutinized. Any movement or discussion that happens between players and coaches is put under a microscope, often making mountains out of relative molehills. And as we’re seeing, it’s not always the healthiest development. To wit: the “argument” between Boston Bruins coach Jim Montgomery and captain Brad Marchand during Saturday’s game against Utah has become a viral event, with some wondering how much bad blood there really was between the two men. But when questioned about it [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/boston-bruins/latest-news/brad-marchand-defends-bruins-coach-after-heated-exchange], Marchand shot down any notion that there was lingering resentment. “It’s unfortunate how coaches are scrutinized over things like that,” Marchand told media. “There’s a lack of accountability nowadays because people can’t handle the heat. You make a mistake like (one that Marchand made), you deserve to hear about it.” Added Montgomery on Thursday [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2IHgHkjGAE&feature=youtu.be]: "Him and I are both emotional people. I'm not ecstatic with myself about it, but I don't think about it afterward, and neither does (Marchand). “He's a pro. He's a great player who does so many good things for us, and he has high expectations as well. For us, that's over and done with." If there was some leftover anger from Marchand or Montgomery, it wouldn’t be the first time a player and coach butted heads over something that happened during the course of competition. It certainly won’t be the last. When a coach reacts with anger or frustration, they’re taking a risk that the dressing-down episode will be a burr in the saddle in terms of their long-term relationship with the player they unloaded on. The same goes for players who verbally joust with their coach. That said, it isn't always a problem. (Remember when Nathan MacKinnon yelled at Colorado Avalanche coach Jared Bednar five years ago, then won a Stanley Cup together in 2022?) [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNrO80gTEHM[/embed] But many, if not most coaches and players will take that risk, in no small part to assert their influence or defend their actions regarding the decisions players make on the ice. Montgomery was no different Saturday, and if he and Marchand have put it behind them – as almost certainly is the case – then we should be taking their word that the matter is over. Now, if Montgomery and Marchand are at each other’s throats night in and night out, that’s another kettle of fish altogether – and media and fans will be well within their rights to bring it up as a point of contention. But much of this reaction feels completely overblown, and there’s no legitimate reason to pursue it further at the moment. Marchand and Montgomery have worked well together for quite some time, and if there’s a bump in the road every so often, that’s not the worst thing in the world. And to be sure, if either or both parties swallowed their anger and didn’t address it with each other, that could lead to a bigger blow-up down the line. Healthy disagreement shouldn't be frowned upon. That doesn’t mean one or the other has the green light to verbally abuse someone. By dealing with the problem in the moment, it’s all so much water under the bridge. Anyone looking for a larger issue between the two is looking far too hard for a problem that doesn’t truly exist. Get the latest news and trending stories right to your inbox by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here [https://info.thehockeynews.com/mail/microsites/951/1/gTeQVf?_gl=1*ustlbj*_ga*NjkyMzUxMy4xNjYzNjIwMzQ3*_ga_PK63FB1PME*MTcxMzUwOTExNi40NDguMS4xNzEzNTA5MjA5LjU5LjAuMA..]. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or by visiting our forum [https://thehockeynews.rtb.io/THNHOME/posts].
