The 2016 Winter Classic will be a little less pugnacious without Brad Marchand suiting up against the Montreal Canadiens.
The pesky Boston Bruins forward was handed a three-game suspension for his low, “clipping” hit on Ottawa Senators defenseman Mark Borowiecki.
Marchand already shared his take on the hit, so it’s unlikely that he agrees with the league’s decision.
“It was a simple play,” said Marchand, as per the Ottawa Sun. “I was trying to get to the puck carrier and I turned up ice and he was kind of standing there. I just turned up and tried to go after the puck carrier.”
In case you’re wondering about a possible appeal ...
For those asking, Marchand has right to appeal directly to Bettman, no access to neutral arbitrator because suspension isn't 6 or more games
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) December 31, 2015
It’s not the first time Marchand faced supplemental discipline for this general type of hit; he was suspended five games for clipping Vancouver defenseman Sami Salo back in 2012.
He’s not just a repeat offender. Marchand is a repeat offender when it comes to questionable low hits, as the video explanation notes.
Borowiecki’s return to the game may have reduced Marchand’s punishment.
A few quick reactions:
Marchand's first game back? January 9th at Ottawa. https://t.co/xu2xS6z5nL
— Ian Mendes (@ian_mendes) December 31, 2015
In what world to you do the same illegal thing and the punishment becomes less? Anyways. Moving on.
— Steve Lloyd (@TSNSteveLloyd) December 31, 2015
Winter Classic plus two more games for Marchand...stiff penalty https://t.co/Gwhs7WrlbV
— Joe Haggerty (@HackswithHaggs) December 31, 2015
I should say I'm surprised Marchand only got 3 games but then again I've stopped trying to figure out NHL discipline.
— Brent Wallace (@localpodcaster) December 31, 2015