Boston Bruins winger Brad Marchand has been suspended three games for clipping Ottawa Senators defenseman Mark Borowiecki, the NHL's Department of Player Safety announced Wednesday.
The incident occurred Tuesday in Boston, and didn't result in a penalty. But, as per the explanatory video, the NHL deemed the hit to be both late and low, as Marchand dipped his shoulder and cut sharply into Borowiecki's legs, which is defined as clipping.
The onus, then, is on Marchand to avoid making contact with Borowiecki, who was deemed ineligible to be checked and therefore unprepared to receive contact.
The league cited Marchand's three previous incidents involving opponent's lower bodies, most recently in January 2015, making him a repeat offender. At the same time, that Borowiecki wasn't injured also factored into the decision.
Since Brad Marchand is considered a repeat offender, he forfeits $164,634.15 in salary for his three-game suspension.
β Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) December 31, 2015
The complete suspension video be viewed here:
(Courtesy: NHL.com)
Marchand will now miss the Winter Classic on Jan. 1, and is eligible to return Jan. 9 against Borowiecki and the Senators.
