November 18, 2013; Raleigh, NC, USA; Boston Bruins forward
Brad Marchand(63) skates with the puck against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Center. The Boston Bruins defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 4-1. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Wow, Marchand scored two goals in the Sabres game. That’s great for him. I’m glad he finally found his stride and had such a great game. Now, I’m going to admit that I was wrong for suggested that Marchand get a healthy scratch. Now, with all the good Marchand news let’s turn our attention to something as equally important and perhaps positive as well.
We’ve got a little update on the whole mess regarding Shawn Thornton. As you all know, he chose to appeal the suspension handed down by Brendan Shanahan and the Department of Player Safety. His appeal hearing was at nine this morning in New York City. Thornton, his agent, and the representative from the players’ union offered their thoughts on Thornton’s hits and why he believed the suspension was so high. The hearing ended roughly before two PM. NHL commissioner Bettman will take a couple days to make his decision.
The commissioner’s ruling is expected on Monday. The odds of Bettman reading this is practically nill, but I’m hoping that Bettman will take a look at the work done by the Department of Player Safety and realize that fifteen games might have been a little severe. I’m just hoping that the NHL will drop the number of games to ten.
Thornton has never been suspended in his NHL career. Thornton has done an awful lot of work in charitable organizations, and is a solid pillar in the Charlestown community. Bettman should factor in his character and the fact that Thornton and Orpik are actually quite friendly off the ice. Sound crazy? Read this.