Brad Marchand sounds off on the extremely strict faceoff rules

BarDown Staff

Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images

Monday night, there was a common theme in every preseason game in the NHL, and it wasn't a theme fans or players enjoyed.

Slashing. Faceoff violation. Just practising my typing.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) September 19, 2017

This offseason, the NHL discussed cracking down on slashing and during Monday night's games, there were a total of 41 minor penalties for slashing, as per TSN's Frank Seravalli.

From @frank_seravalli: NHL begins crackdown on slashing, faceoffs. MORE: https://t.co/uUPR0dgxta pic.twitter.com/XF2zqSzJ1l
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) September 19, 2017

Surprisingly, fans were more upset about the stricter interpretation of the faceoff rules that led to 10 faceoff violations in Monday's games (each of which was accompanied by a minor penalty).

"Centres must now keep their skates inside of the designated red lines for the draw to be considered legal." (Frank Seravalli)

On Tuesday, Brad Marchand was asked about the faceoff violations and he didn't hold back.

#NHL Bruins F Brad Marchand absolutely went off on the new #NHL faceoff rules today. "Complete joke!" "We should just have d-men take draws"
— Jimmy Murphy (@MurphysLaw74) September 19, 2017

I asked Brad Marchand if he thought there was a lack of communication between NHL rules decision makers & players & he said "yeah"
— Jimmy Murphy (@MurphysLaw74) September 19, 2017

Brad Marchand also agreed w/me that those playing the game don't have enough input on #NHL rules changes. "Yeah, we don't. It's a joke."
— Jimmy Murphy (@MurphysLaw74) September 19, 2017

Hockey fans and media members echoed Marchand's frustration while watching the games.

That's 3 faceoff violation penalties in 24 min of hockey. There goes the NHL diligently trying to fix problems no one is complaining about.
— Steve Warne™ (@TSNSteve) September 19, 2017

I've seen Angel Hernandez strike zones make more sense than these faceoff violation penalties #TMLTalk
— 10-Day DL [TeEm] (@thenickster15) September 19, 2017

Barry Trotz is just laughing at the refs for calling a 2nd faceoff violation.. I've literally never seen it called before tonight.. #Caps..
— Rob Carlin (@RobCarlinCSN) September 18, 2017

I don't know about you, but I'm most excited for the inevitable shift to reviews of faceoff violation penalties
— Bruce Arthur (@bruce_arthur) September 19, 2017

Lars Eller and Marcus Johansson seemed to be chatting a bit before the faceoff to start the third period. Probs a violation.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) September 19, 2017

My wife tried to start an argument, but I called a Faceoff Violation.

She's not impressed with this new rule either.#Leafs
— Tony VH (@dasilto) September 19, 2017

remember when faceoff violation was like "guy put his hand over the puck" not "guy put his skate marginally over parallel line"
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) September 19, 2017

Something tells me we better get well acquainted with hearing the words "Faceoff violation" a lot this season. #Leafs #TMLtalk
— Corey Kendall (@ckendall77) September 19, 2017

Please don't play the Faceoff Violation drinking game. You will die.
— - Aisys ★ (@twomins4hooking) September 19, 2017

This faceoff violation is getting ridiculous!!!
— Heather (@Heather8522) September 19, 2017

Not sure I have been to a game where a faceoff violation penalty was called. Ever. Been THREE tonight and it's only the 1st period!
— Sarah Baicker (@sbbaicker) September 18, 2017

Will we see this in the regular season or even the playoffs? At this point, we hope not, but if it's called consistently all season long, the players will have to adjust.

(H/T: Jimmy Murphy)