NHL rules on Brad Marchand’s questionable hit on Andrew Peeke

On Monday night, the tension was high in the game between the Boston Bruins and Columbus Blue Jackets. During the first period, as the Bruins were looking to tie things up, forward Brad Marchand charged towards Jackets’ Andrew Peeke and it looked like he jumped off his feet to hit his opponent’s head. Peeke fell hard on the ice after the collision. As Peeke laid motionless on the ice, his absence made room for the Bruins and Charlie McAvoy found Jake DeBrusk for the breakaway goal.

The Bruins not only scored while Peeke was down, but Marchand was not penalized on the play while Peeke struggled to leave the ice.

During the rest of the game, as Peeke returned for the second period after clearing concussion protocol, both players were at each others’ throats, looking to get under one another’s skin.

There was a lot of chatter that Marchand, a repeat offender, could be fined or suspended for the hit, however, NESN reveals that the Marchand will not be hearing from the Department of Player Safety for his hit on Peeke.

Though the hit was controversial, it was clean and there really would be no reason for Marchand to even hear from DoPS.