Boston BruinsWinger Brad MarchandHas been suspended six times for roughing or high sticking Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry.
NHL Player Safety announced Wednesday’s ban after a hearing with Marchand earlier that day.
Marchand was already suspended this season for three games when he slew footed Oliver Ekman-Larsson. This will be Marchand’s eighth suspension, and it will also be his longest. He was previously banned for five games.
NHL Player Safety took into account the fact that Marchand is a repeat offenders when deciding to suspend Marchand for six games.
Player Safety stated in a video that players who violate league rules repeatedly will face severe punishment for each violation. This was based on the terms of the NHL/NHLPA collective bargaining agreement. Marchand was previously suspended seven times and fined five.
Marchand and Jarry were involved in an incident that occurred on Tuesday during Pittsburgh’s 4-2 win over Boston. Jarry had just smothered one puck while the Bruins were leading by two. Marchand was also in the area, so Jarry took a swing at Marchand after Jarry appeared to have said something.
Marchand’s punch, unsurprisingly, drew many of Jarry’s team members into the fray. Andrew Smith, the linesman, tried to move Marchand from Jarry’s ice but Marchand was able to escape Smith long enough for him to hit Jarry with his stick.
Marchand received a five-minute match penality for attempted to injure and two minutes for roughing for the dust-up. The NHL automatically reviewed the incident because it occurred in the final minute of the game.
Bruce Cassidy, Bruins coach, stated that he saw a replay after the game and noted a “lackof discipline” by Marchand in that moment. But also that something had clearly angered Jarry.
Cassidy said, “It looked as if some words were exchanged.” “I don’t know whether there was an incident at end of second period that precipitated this. I was there, so I don’t know. Someone said it. You need to practice better discipline at all times. Brad is a leader in our team. He has to be able to control his emotions.
Jarry didn’t express concern about Marchand’s behavior at a postgame press conference where he downplayed his concerns.
Jarry stated that he believes it is just the heat of this moment. “Everyone is fighting hard out there, and Jarry’s just trying get the puck in the net. It’s part and parcel of the game. [what happened]Stays on the ice.”
Marchand is leading the Bruins with 49 points and 21 goals this season. In any case, it would be a tragedy to lose him. This is especially true now that the Bruins are dealing with a lower-body injury to their captain. Patrice BergeronIn that Tuesday game, he also suffered an injury. Boston will not be hosting Bergeron’s match against the Carolina HurricanesHis return is not expected until Wednesday.