Bettman's description of Marchand shows he's a marked man
We all know Brad Marchand's suspension history at this point. He's been suspended 8 times for a combined 28 games and fined on 4 separate occasions for his physical conduct on the ice. His style only works when he plays in the grey area between clean and dirty.
Today the NHL announced that Commissioner Gary Bettman was upholding Marchand's 6 game suspension. This truly isn't much of a shock, but what is shocking is the how Bettman describes Marchand in his decision.
No active player has been suspended more times than Mr. Marchand; this is his eighth (8th) suspension. (NHL Ex. 1.) In addition, he has been fined four (4) times for physical fouls. Although the on-ice penalty calls that resulted in supplementary discipline have varied in their specifics, all have involved serious violations, including elbowing, slew footing, clipping, roughing, spearing, cross-checking and (now) high sticking.
It is, to say the least, an unenviable record. And (again), to make matters worse, Mr. Marchand's most recent suspension prior to this one occurred less than three months ago, when he was suspended for three (3) games for. - Gary Bettman
It is, to say the least, an unenviable record. And (again), to make matters worse, Mr. Marchand's most recent suspension prior to this one occurred less than three months ago, when he was suspended for three (3) games for. - Gary Bettman
It's clear by Commissioner Bettman's words that no matter how much Marchand cleans up his game, he will always be on the NHL's radar. Compare this to the like of Tom Wilson, who had his change in play style taken into consideration when he slammed Artemi Panarin to the ice, we must wonder why is Marchand different?
Now that Marchand has appealed an NHL decision, the league is likely to keep a close eye on him because Bettman never enjoys his decisions being questioned.
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