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Marchand on spear that got him suspended: 'Things happen quick out there'

Greg M. Cooper / USA Today Sports

Brad Marchand is sending some mixed signals in regards to a spear on Tampa Bay's Jake Dotchin that resulted in a two-game suspension.

Speaking prior to Thursday's game against Ottawa - an eventual loss that Marchand missed as a result of the suspension - the Boston Bruins winger acknowledged the play was selfish and undisciplined, and he now has no choice but to live with the decision and do all he can to get ready to help his team in the playoffs.

Still, he left some room for doubt as to whether he's finally learned his lesson.

"Things happen quick out there," Marchand told reporters, courtesy of NESN. "If any of you have ever been out there in the NHL on the ice, you realize how quick things happen. Until you're in that position, you don't really understand."

Marchand clearly doesn't care all that much what people think of his failure to stay in line.

"I'm not really concerned about how anyone feels outside of the room. Things happen in hockey, and again, the only people I care about in this world are my teammates and my family, and I think they have different thoughts about me. Everyone's entitled to their opinion."

Marchand will be eligible to return for the opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, where his absence would be more deeply felt.

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