Bruins' Fans React to Marchand's Appeal Result- Unsurprisingly Upset
As reported by Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli, Gary Bettman has upheld Brad Marchand's 6 game suspension for roughing/high sticking Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry during the last minute of the Bruins/Pens game on February 8th.
Fans are understandably, but unsurprisingly, not happy.
To me, it seems as though the biggest issue that people have with the suspension is that it was separated into three parts. The third part is what irks Bruins fans. Marchand got nailed for roughing (2 games), high sticking (also 2 games), but the third infraction of previous conduct, which extends the suspension to 6 games, is the one that sticks out. Honestly, with the way the NHL handles player safety, most decisions seem arbitrary and without merit, this one is no exception.
The trouble I have with this particular suspension is that Jarry wasn't hurt as a result of Marchand's actions. Were they uncalled for, yes. Was it necessary? No. but, Jarry was not hurt. He hasn't missed any playing time as a result, so how was the decision made? What's the standard? where do Gary Bettman and player safety look to determine the precedent? If Tom Wilson trying to end Artemi Panarin's career by slamming him into the ice without a helmet on was not suspendable, what about this play was? For reference, Wilson was fined $5,000 for his shot at a downed Pavel Buchnevich, but not for his actions against Panarin.
There is no reason or logic used when NHL Player Safety or Gary Bettman make these decisions and that part is infuriating.
