Suspended Brad Marchand apologizes for missing Winter Classic

Brad Marchand is sorry.

The Boston Bruins winger got slapped with a three-game suspension that'll keep him out of Friday's Winter Classic meeting with the Montreal Canadiens, effectively letting down the team and its fans.

"I just want to acknowledge the situation that I've put my team in for being undisciplined and affecting the game for them, taking away from the excitement to the fans being a part of this rivalry, and taking that away from them, and then also for affecting this game for myself and putting myself in a situation to not be part of this," Marchand told reporters Wednesday.

"I wanted to apologize and I truly am sorry to everyone about, again, the situation and it was not my intent to make a hit or try and injure anyone on that play."

In the midst of one of the best seasons of his career, Marchand added that the suspension - received for clipping Mark Borowiecki of the Ottawa Senators - won't affect how he approaches the game moving forward.

Despite the suspension, Marchand was permitted to practice with the team. He made the most of the opportunity, chatting and skating with his teammates Thursday.

"I think it speaks a lot for Brad to want to be out in front of this today," general manager Don Sweeney said. "He knows the impact that it's had on the team, short of the game itself, and the fans and he asked us if he could sort of address it in front of his teammates going out for practice and getting ready for this game and I think it speaks - to answer the question - (to) the maturity. It says a lot to where Brad is and the impact he has on our lineup.

"I think we can leave it at that. We respect Player Safety's decision on the play; it's unfortunate for Brad and our team and our fans but we'll leave it at that."

Marchand has recorded 15 goals and 11 assists in 34 games, putting him on pace for a career year in goals and total points.