Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand has decided not to challenge the three game suspension the NHL’s Department of Player Safety imposed on him for clipping Ottawa Senators defenseman Mark Borowiecki. This means Marchand will miss the Winter Classic tomorrow afternoon.
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A remorseful Marchand had GM Don Sweeney (and Bruins alumni player) at his side as he addressed the media, and acknowledged his mistake.
“I just want to acknowledge the situation that I’ve put my team in for being undisciplined and affecting the game for them. I am truly sorry to everyone about this situation. It was not my intent to make a hit, or try and injure anyone on that play. is obviously something we were looking forward to, but I respect the decision that the league has made. I’m going to live with it.”
The suspension is the fourth of Marchand’s six year NHL career. This is also the fourth time Boston’s ‘Little Ball of Hate’ has been fined/suspended for a low hit on another player.
Puck Prose
While Brad Marchand apologized for his upcoming absence, there were laments from the fan. Most were unhappy about the league’s decision, and a few were hoping he would challenge his suspension.
Most surprisingly, one of the biggest voices to lament the absence of Marchand, is his most bitter rival, Montreal Canadiens defensemen P.K. Subban. Subban and Marchand have been bitter rivals on the ice. Still, it was gracious of Subban to acknowledge Marchand and respect their long and occasionally very heated rivalry.
“I know Brad’s a big part of their team, so I’m sure they’re going to miss him. As far as I’m concerned, I know there is a rivalry between the Montreal Canadiens and Boston Bruins. I don’t ever think of playing a specific player,” said Subban. “But obviously with the history of us playing against each other, going back to World Juniors, playing with each other and against each other in the playoffs and during the regular season…yeah, there’s been some heated battles.
“That’s just a part of the game. There are many players I can probably think of in the league that I’ve had heated battles against. But it’s unfortunate he’s not playing tomorrow.”
The Boston Bruins already racked up one win today with the Alumni team winning their game against the Canadiens in a 5-4 shootout. Alumni captain Ray Bourque put in the winning goal for the Bruins. Hopefully, the surging Bruins will put down the flailing Habs in regulation tomorrow afternoon.