Boston Bruins winger Brad Marchand has been suspended two games by the NHL’s Department of Player Safety for slew-footing New York Rangers center Derick Brassard in Thursday night’s game at TD Garden.
The play happened in the second period when the Bruins were on the penalty kill. Marchand and Brassard skated into the corner for a loose puck when the slew foot occurred.
“By rendering his opponent defenseless in this way, at this point on the ice, Marchand risks not only an injury to Brassard from his crash to the ice, but also from a collision with the boards,” the league said in its video explanation of the ruling.
Marchand won’t be able to play Saturday against the Columbus Blue Jackets or Tuesday against the Dallas Stars. He is eligible to return Wednesday against the Colorado Avalanche, which is the final game before the All-Star break.
Veteran forward Daniel Paille likely will play in Marchand’s spot at left wing on the Patrice Bergeron line during the suspension. Paille skated in that position during Friday’s practice.
Thumbnail photo via Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports Images
