WILMINGTON, Mass. -- Claude Julien has always disliked when opposing coaches speak negatively about his players. And on Monday, Julien was especially upset at the attacks on Brad Marchand coming from Vancouver.
Canucks coach Alain Vigneault put out some not-so-subtle threats toward the Bs agitator after Marchand was tossed out of Saturdays game for clipping Sami Salo and causing the Vancouver defenseman to flip over.Vigneault said Marchand is going to get it and "the kid is going to get hurt"for his antics, intimating that players were eventually going to police Marchand by attempting to hurt him on the ice.
Thats where Julien drew the line on Monday morning after Bruins practice at TD Garden.
Rarely has the Bruins' coach been as fired up as he was about the verbal barbs thrown at Marchand. Peter Chiarelli called Vigneault's comments "unprofessional" during a few moments with the media, and then Julien opened up.
I think its pretty hypocritical . . . everything thats been going on, Julien said. "Its unfortunate. Sometimes you have to look in your own backyard.
We all know Vigneault has the same type of players on his team. Theyve all done the same thing. You just have to look at Alex Burrows putting his blade in Shawn Thorntons throat prior to Saturday's brawl.
"Its so hypocritical. I guess were stupid. Were idiots and theyre the smartest team in the league. We need to listen to all of the gab that they have to say.
Marchand has a phone hearing with Brendan Shanahan and the Department of Player Safety staff at noon on Monday, and he will soon find out the disciplinary fate that awaits him. Marchand will likely be forced to pay the price with a suspension, especially since his actions resulted in an injury for Salo (concussion).
Whatever the punishment, the Bruins will deal with it internally rather than running to the league. "That's not our style. There are people watching in Toronto. I'm going to let the league decide whatever they want to decide on it. You've got to let those people do their jobs," said Julien. "If the NHL feels we crossed the line then we have to deal with it. But all ofthis stuff today is the 'famous' propaganda from the other side."One thing Marchands teammates and coaches wont stand for, though? Other teams standing as judge, jury and potential executioner.