Bruins’ Marchand suspended 3 games, to miss Winter Classic

His low hit on Senators defenceman Mark Borowiecki in Boston’s 7-3 win over Ottawa Tuesday could see him suspended. Marchand was suspended for three games on Wednesday, Dec. 30 for clipping Senators defenseman Mark Borowiecki.

The video went on to note that Marchand had been punished three times previously (two suspensions, one fine) for low hits in his career.

“I was trying to get to the puck-carrier, and I turned up ice, and (Borowiecki) was kind of standing there”. The onus here is on Marchand to avoid this hit entirely. “Then he uses his upper body to toss Borowiecki over his shoulder to the ice”.

With the suspension, Marchand will now miss the 2016 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic against the Montreal Canadiens on Friday, Jan. 1 at Gillette Stadium. In a bit of irony, he is eligible to return the following night in Ottawa against the Senators. Marchand was assessed a two-minute minor penalty for slashing on the play.

The NHL says Marchand is considered a repeat offender under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and he will forfeit $164,634.15. Marchand can appeal the decision, but will remain suspended according to National Hockey League rules.