Boston Bruins Rumors: Brad Marchand Suspended Three Games for Hit on Mark Borowiecki

The Boston Bruins loses an important contributor ahead of the Winter Classic when Brad Marchand serves his three-game suspension, which was handed out by the NHL, after clipping Mark Borowiecki of the Ottawa Senators last Tuesday.

Although the left wing was not penalized for the hit during the game, a video review conducted by the Department of Player Safety, coupled with a phone hearing with Marchand last Wednesday, overturned the non-call. As a result, the league opted to suspend him.

The league called the hit as a "late, low hit," in which Marchand upended Borowiecki during the first period of the Bruins' 7-3 win. "Marchand dips his shoulder, gets low, and cuts sharply into Borowiecki's legs, sending him cartwheeling dangerously into the air," the video explains. Although Borowiecki wasn't injured as a result of the play, Marchand certainly deserved a penalty because of the risk involved.

Marchand was punished by the league and branded as a repeat offender, having been suspended in three previous incidents. He also has been fined one time for a slew foot on Matt Niskanen and has three lower-body infractions to his name. He previously was suspended for a slew foot on Derick Brassard, for throwing an elbow to R.J. Umberger, and a low bridge on Sami Salo — a play that's quite similar to what he did to Borowiecki.
With the suspension, he is expected to lose $164,634 in salary.

But in spite of Marchand's growing reputation as a dirty player, the Canadian is actually a major contributor and important player for the Bruins. He currently has produced 15 goals, as well as 11 assists, for his team this season, playing in 34 games overall.

Boston's next game, minus Marchand, will be against the Montreal Canadiens for the Winter Classic this Friday. It will be played at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.