"That's assault", "Suspension worthy": NHL fans react as Brad Marchand grabs Nick Cousin by the neck with his bare hands

Fans reacted as Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand was seen grabbing Ottawa Senators forward Nick Cousins by the neck during their game at TD Garden on Thursday.

The incident occurred in the first period when Marchand was heading to the bench. Cousins appeared to say something to the Bruins star, prompting an immediate and violent reaction.

Marchand reached out with his bare hand and firmly grabbed Cousins around the neck before a referee quickly stepped in to separate the two players.

Fans took to social media to share their opinion on Marchand's actions.

One fan wrote:

"That's assault."

Another fan wrote:

"That should be suspension worthy," on X.

Here are some more fan reactions:

"As a Marchand hater, we have to consider what might’ve been said between the two. Given the lack of reaction , I’m GUESSING it MIGHT have been warranted. Seeing this I immediately thought Cousins took a personal/family shot about a Bruins," one fan wrote.

"Typical bitch move by Marchand. And, close to his bench so he can run away as per normal. The hockey equivalent of a Chihuahua barking out the car window," another fan wrote.

"In a game where people punch each other in the face…. Y'all Triggered by a throat grab?" a user commented.

"I’m guessing Nick asked him how it felt to choke the last couple years; Marchand said idk you tell me how it feels? Just grandpa doing grandpa things," another fan wrote.

At the end of second period, the Bruins lead 1-0 lead over the Senators.

Brad Marchand hits impressive milestone with Bruins

Brad Marchand has now recorded 10 consecutive 20-assist seasons for the Bruins, joining elite company in the team's storied history.

He is just the eighth player to accomplish this feat, keeping elite company with legends like Ray Bourque, Johnny Bucyk, and his longtime teammate Patrice Bergeron.

"Brad Marchand became the eighth player in #NHLBruins history to record 10 straight 20-assist seasons.The others: Ray Bourque (21), Johnny Bucyk (20), Patrice Bergeron (15), David Krejci (14), Wayne Cashman (14), Rick Middleton (11), and Terry O'Reilly (10)."

In 49 games, Marchand has tallied 17 goals and 37 points, putting him ever closer to the 1,000-point plateau for his career.