This is the news Bruins fans were dreading today. All-Star and leading scorer, Brad Marchand has been suspended five games. The ban is a result of an elbow to the head of New Jersey Devils forward Marcus Johansson.
Boston’s Brad Marchand suspended five games for elbowing New Jersey’s Marcus Johansson. https://t.co/yGnRiVHgNn
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) January 24, 2018
Head of the Department of Player Safety George Parros and his team have inevitably ruled that Marchand’s actions warranted such discipline.
To quote my colleague Chad Zimmerman in his piece relating to Marchand taking a run at John Tavares:
"The last thing the team needs is a 3 or 4 game Marchand absence due to suspension."
The beauty of that quote is that you can plug and play that at anytime during the season. From opening night to the Stanley Cup Final. The Bruins need Brad Marchand, and they need him to keep his head.
My anger here lies in the fact that it’s five because it is Brad Marchand. Anyone who has watched the Bruins this season have seen the change in his game. He’s not out there looking to slew-foot opponents at every opportunity. The frustration for me is that Marchand is having a sensational season. He has been unplayable, and now we can’t play him. Don’t get me wrong though, he still plays on the edge.
Is the NHL looking to implement some parity into the Atlantic Division? That’s one of the conclusions I have come to. The Bruins have been too hot to handle in recent months. With a full lineup you there was no sign the point streak was coming to an end. Take Marchand and McAvoy out of the lineup, the future isn’t so crystal clear.
Related Story: Boston Bruins: Marchand lucky to avoid fine or suspension
History Repeating Itself
Marchand is no stranger to the Department of Player Safety. The “repeat offender” under the CBA stipulates anyone suspended in the last 18 months. Marchand falls into this category. His last mandatory break from hockey coming on April 4, 2017 following a spear on Jake Dotchin.
Breaking up the Band
The Bruins line of Marchand-Bergeron-Pastrnak will be separated once more. Injuries stunting its’ takeoff in the early parts of the season. Suspension will now leave the line incomplete. It’s devastating to see this line separated at the height of its’ powers.
Suspension Fair, Duration is not
Brad Marchand will not be shocked to find out he has been banned. Neither will Bruins fans. Both parties will be shocked at the length. Five games is not proportionate for the nature of the hit. Maybe he shouldn’t have led with the elbow. As fast as the play was, some intention is evident. Five games is a complete and utter joke.