Possible Suspension Looming For Marchand
The Bruins continued their 17 game point streak last night with a 3-2 win against the Devils. The Bruins played poorly but Rask kept them in the game the whole night making 37 saves. Marchand was able to pick up the game winning goal late in the second period on a nice two on one with Krejci. That wasn’t all Marchand did on the night though. Late in the third period Marchand tried to get to a rebound in the Devils’ end and “accidentally” elbowed Marcus Johansson in the head and injured him. Here’s the play.
Oh boy… Brad Marchand (accidentally, they say) elbows Marcus Johansson in the face, MoJo straight to the locker room…
Does NOT look good on replay. pic.twitter.com/VCcIgcQjZ2
— NHL Daily 365 (@NHLDaily365) January 24, 2018
Marchand did not receive a penalty on the play. This looks bad for Marchand who, of course, has a history of making these types of plays. Marchand has a hearing today with the NHL Player Safety Department and we will find out what his punishment will be. When asked about the play after the game Marchand responded “I don’t know what happened.” Went on to explain he took a shot and then fell down. When he turned he saw Johansson down.
I think Marchand will end up getting a suspension for this. This looks bad and it looks intentional. Marchand and Johansson were locked up the whole way down the ice and Marchand might have been able to get a breakaway if Johansson hadn’t pressured him down the ice. Emotions might have gotten the best of him and he tossed an elbow Johansson’s way.
Hopefully it is a short suspension and Marchand only misses a game or two. This might open the door for Vatrano to draw back into the lineup, he has been a healthy scratch since December 21st. Maybe Vatrano can showcase some offense and either earn himself a spot in the lineup or improve his trade value. The Bruins return to action on Thursday night in Ottawa at 7:30 and that will be their final game before this weekend’s All-Star festivities.
Written By Tyler Smith (@TylerSmith4386)