Fansided

Brad Marchand will have hearing after spearing Jake Dotchin

By Dave Stevenson

Apr 4, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Jake Dotchin (59) reacts after being speared by Boston Bruins left wing Brad Marchand (63) during the first period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Jake Dotchin (59) reacts after being speared by Boston Bruins left wing Brad Marchand (63) during the first period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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Brad Marchand will have a Department of Player Safety hearing after spearing Lightning defenseman Jake Dotchin in the groin. 

On Tuesday April 4, the Boston Bruins beat the Tampa Bay Lightning, clinching a spot in the postseason. However, the win might wind up be a bit costly. In the first period, star forward Brad Marchand speared Lightning defenseman Jake Dotchin in the groin. He got a five minute major and a game misconduct. The NHL Department of Player Safety will have a hearing with Marchand on Thursday about the spear.

It’s very likely he’ll face a suspension. This could be a huge loss for the Bruins, as Marchand leads the team with a career high 39 goals and 85 points. If he’s suspended, it could be significant. The spear is quite dangerous. Dotchin is very lucky he didn’t get seriously injured. It’s completely unnecessary and spears are generally frowned upon by the NHL.

Marchand’s lengthy supplemental discipline history could be the determining factor in his suspension. If the Department of Player Safety deems his hit suspension worthy, they’ll factor his history into it. Marchand has four suspensions (a total of 12 games) and three fines since the start of the 2010-11 season.

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With two games left in the regular season, expect Marchand to miss the rest of the regular season at the very least. Any additional games in the suspension will require him to miss postseason games. Expect a three to four game suspension for Marchand. The Bruins will most likely have to start the Stanley Cup playoffs without their leading scorer and best forward. They’re competing for one of the top three spots in the Atlantic Division.

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