NHL playoffs 2019: Bruins' Brad Marchand appears to intentionally break Cam Atkinson's stick before faceoff

Thomas Lott

NHL playoffs 2019: Bruins' Brad Marchand appears to intentionally break Cam Atkinson's stick before faceoff image

There always seems to be a storyline surrounding Brad Marchand in the playoffs and one popped up Thursday after the Bruins' 3-2 overtime win in Game 1 over the Blue Jackets.

With 16:27 left in the first overtime period, Marchand was matched up with Cam Atkinson as the two awaited a faceoff.

As the two stood to watch Patrice Bergeron and Matt Duchene fight for the puck, Marchand could be seen stomping on the ice.

After the puck wasn't dropped, Atkinson could be seen looking at his stick in frustration.

That's because Marchand appeared to break Atkinson's stick on the play.

The Blue Jackets forward confirmed the situation after the game

“Hey, if that’s how he wants to roll,” Atkinson said. “I don’t know, that’s who he is. I’m not going to let it get to me. It is what it is.”

Marchand is often in the news for hard hits and bizarre news as he has been suspended for dirty plays and reprimanded for other odd incidents.

The NHL had to release a statement last year urging players not to lick their opponents. That was entirely about Marchand.

This is just another moment in the endless saga of Marchand and one thing to keep track of further on down the line in this series.

Thomas Lott