The NHL’s Department of Player Safety has suspended Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand three games for clipping Ottawa’s Mark Borowiecki in Tuesday’s game.
That three-game suspension will include the Winter Classic at Gillette Stadium on New Year’s Day.
The infraction occurred when Marchand dipped his shoulder low on Borowiecki, who didn’t have the puck, and circled around him, hitting him low and flipping him over violently.
Working against Marchand here was a history of clipping and slew-footing, as the DoPS outlines in their explanation. Those past infractions have resulted in three previous suspensions for Marchand.
Watch the video from the Department of Player Safety below, which explains the suspension.
Marchand has 15 goals and 26 points through 34 games this season. The loss of him will be significant for Boston in the Winter Classic. They’re already without David Krejci, subtracting two key forwards from their roster.
The Montreal Canadiens are without Carey Price and Tom Gilbert with Brendan Gallagher still questionable to play. Injuries and suspensions are severely impact the quality of this game.
Since Brad Marchand is considered a repeat offender, he forfeits $164,634.15 in salary for his three-game suspension.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) December 31, 2015