Fansided

Brad Marchand reacts to his two-game suspension

By David Austin Bumpus

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 garnered a lot of heat this week, after spearing Tampa Bay’s Jake Dotchin Tuesday night and received a two-game suspension for his actions.

After spearing Tampa Bay’s Jake Dotchin in the groin Tuesday night and receiving a two-game suspension from the NHL, Bruins forward Brad Marchand was the subject of a large pool of media members on Thursday.

In his presser, Marchand reacted to the suspension from the league, and said there wasn’t much else for him to do about the situation.

“It is what it is,” Marchand told the media. “They made their decision, and I have to live it and I have to move on and get ready for the playoffs.”

Marchand owned up for the low blow, and luckily the team performed without its leading scorer on the ice. The team still managed to clinch their spot in the postseason Tuesday night with a shutout win against the Lightning, even in Marchand’s absence.

“It was definitely selfish and undisciplined at the time, obviously, but I can’t do anything about it now,” Marchand said. “The most important thing now is we’re in the playoffs. Still a very capable team on the ice, they won a huge game without me the other night, so they’ll be ready to play regardless.”

Arguably the best quote of the presser came when Marchand was asked about his thoughts on those around him possibly judging his actions and maturity as a 28-year old veteran in the league, and Marchand didn’t hold back with his answer.

“I’m not really concerned with how anyone really feels outside the room,” Marchand said. “Things happen in hockey, and the only people I care about in this world are my teammates and my family, and I think they have different thoughts about me.

“Everyone’s entitled to their opinion.”

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Marchand, with 39 goals on the year, basically gave up a 40-goal season with his cheap shot, and will miss the Boston’s final two games of the regular season, as they prep for the first round of the playoffs.

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