Bruins forward Brad Marchand suspended 6 games for attacking Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry

In December, Brad Marchand criticized the NHL for not granting him to take time off in February from his job as a member of the Boston Bruins so that he could participate in the Olympics.

As it turned out, the NHL was able to provide Marchand with an involuntary break this month.

On Wednesday, the league suspended Marchand six games for attacking Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry during the late stages of a 4-2 road win by the Penguins in T.D. Garden.

Marchand was assessed a match penalty and a roughing minor at 19 minutes, 35 seconds of the third period. After Jarry froze a puck, he appeared to say something to Marchand, who responded by punching Jarry in the head.

As linesman Andrew Smith tried to escort Marchand to his bench, Marchand then jabbed Jarry in the helmet with his stick.

Jarry was not injured on the sequence.

In announcing the suspension via a video presentation, the league stated:

“On this play, Marchand is guilty of two violations that warrant supplemental discipline: Roughing and high-sticking. It is important to note that these acts — both the punch to Jarry and the high stick — were delivered well after the conclusion of play. This was not contact that occurred in the context of the battle for the puck where players are attempting to score a goal or defend their net. This was also not a confrontation after the puck is frozen in which a goaltender initiates a physical altercation with an offensive player and is prepared, or should be prepared, for some type of physical response.

“Here, Jarry does not initiate the altercation with Marchand. He is on his knees after having frozen the puck and should not expect contact from Marchand in any form, much less a full-gloved punch to the side of the head.”

“We find the totality of this play — an intentional punch to the side of the head on an unsuspecting goaltender coupled with an intentional high stick delivered to the head and neck area while being escorted off the ice — unacceptable and warranting supplemental discipline.

“In determining the length of suspensions, the collective bargaining agreement between the NHL and the NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA) states ‘players who repeatedly violate league playing rules will be more severely punished for each new violation.’ Marchand has been suspended seven times and fined five times previously, with his latest suspension being levied in November of 2021.”

In a supplemental statement, the NHL announced Marchand, who also recently bemoaned poorer franchises as being the reason NHL players are subject to high escrow payments, will forfeit $448,170.72. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

The Penguins did not offer many thoughts on the matter.

“It’s part of the game,” a tight-lipped Jarry said to media in Boston on Tuesday. “And I think it just stays on the ice.”

Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy did not bother trying to defend Marchand.

“Honestly, a lack of discipline, obviously, on Brad’s part in that situation,” Cassidy said. “You’ve got to have better discipline at the end of the day. Brad’s a leader on our team, and he’s got to control his emotions.”

Marchand has yet to comment publicly on the matter.

A 13-year veteran, Marchand is no stranger to supplemental discipline. Either through suspensions or fines, he has forfeited $1,419,568.33 in salary.