"Brad Marchand was sent a stern message Monday that the NHL will not tolerate targeted hits that place players at the risk of serious injury.

League disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan suspended the Boston Bruins' repeat offender five games for the low-bridge hit he delivered Saturday that sent Vancouver Canucks defenceman Sami Salo head over heels. Shanahan cited an earlier sequence in which Marchand showed clear frustration after a shoulder check between the Bruins winger and Sami Salo. His action 16 seconds later violated Rule 44 for clipping and concussed Salo, who struck his head on the TD Garden ice surface."