After getting away with one fine for two slew-foots earlier this season, Brad Marchand was in the spotlight again earlier this week after a brutal spear to the groin of Tampa Bay Lightning defenceman Jake Dotchin.
The play came in the first period of what was an important game for both teams: the Bruins hadn’t yet clinched and the Lightning were in a must-win situation against a team they were chasing. Marchand received five minutes and a game misconduct, but got lucky after the Lightning failed to score on the man advantage.
The Bruins won the game and clinched a playoff spot. Marchand received a two-game suspension, which will end his regular season — he was lucky to not have to sit down for a playoff game or two on top of that.
On Thursday, Marchand met with the media and talked about his latest cheap shot and resulting ruling from the league.
“Yeah, it was definitely very selfish and undisciplined,” Marchand said. “But I can’t do anything about it now. Most important thing is we’re in playoffs, and regardless of who we have to play, we have to do the job. Still a couple games here and a very capable team on the ice. They won a huge game without me the other night, and they’re going to be ready to play regardless.”
While the Bruins have made the playoffs, their first round opponent is not yet set. They could play Toronto or Ottawa if they finish second or third in the Atlantic Division, or Washington if they end up in the last wild card spot. That opponent will be determined as Marchand watched the last two games from the sidelines.
Marchand said he talked about the play with his teammates and was asked by a reporter how he, a 28-year-old player in his eighth season, can defend this undisciplined play.
“I’m not very concerned about how anyone really feels, outside of the room,” Marchand said. “Things happen in hockey. The only people I care about in this world are my teammates and my family, and I think they have different thoughts about me, so everyone is entitled to their opinion.”
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