Report: Brad Marchand's Low Hit On Senators' Borowiecki Under Review From NHL
BOSTON (CBS) -- Every time you think Brad Marchand may be on the way to shedding his "dirty" label, he goes and sets himself back. He did it again Tuesday night against the Ottawa Senators, committing two offenses in the course of the Bruins' 7-3 win.
Marchand's first offense came in the first period when he delivered an incredibly low hit on the Sens' Mark Borowiecki, literally flipping the defenseman over his back. A closer look at the hit, which you can see in the video above, shows that Marchand practically could have kissed Borowiecki's knee on the hit.
The hit was not only egregiously low, it was very late, coming several seconds after Borowiecki passed the puck. Borowiecki bumped Marchand right before the hit, but that's no excuse for Marchand to give him a back-body drop. Borowiecki's awkward landing could have resulted in a serious head or neck injury.
Marchand was not penalized for the hit, and that undoubtedly incensed the Senators over the course of the game. Early reports after the game indicate that the NHL will review the hit for possible punishment for Marchand, which is likely given his reputation and the dangerous nature of the play.
Marchand's other offense came in the third period when he speared Kyle Turris in the rib area. It could have been an unprotected area between the shoulder pads and pants, but that's unclear. Marchand received a slashing minor, which was generous considering it could have easily been a spearing major.
That is certainly a step beyond a simple whack in the shin pads.
Marchand defended the hit on Borowiecki after the game, which is his right to do.
"It was a simple play," he said. "I was trying to get to the puck carrier and I turned up-ice, and he was kind of standing there ... just turned up and tried to go after the puck carrier."
Marchand clearly was trying to get to the puck carrier, but Borowiecki was impeding his progress. To imply that the play was somewhat accidental is a little disingenuous, because there was a clear "Get outta my way!" motion by Marchand to flip Borowiecki over his head. He added "I can't control that" when asked about the league's reviewing of the play and its potential impact on Marchand's availability for the Winter Classic.
Marchand's reputation precedes him, so he's not likely to get much leeway from the NHL's Department of Player Safety. The hit will likely result in a suspension, but he will be fined at a minimum. When you flip a guy over your head well away from the puck to the point where his face crashes directly to the ice, you probably deserve some kind of discipline.
What do you think: Should Marchand face further discipline from the league for his hit on Borowiecki?
Matt Dolloff is a writer for CBSBostonSports.com. His opinions do not necessarily reflect that of CBS or 98.5 The Sports Hub. Read more from Matt here. Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff and email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.
