BOSTON -- Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog was assessed a match penalty and ejected from Thursday's game for his illegal hit to the head of Bruins forward Brad Marchand.
On Friday, the NHL suspended Landeskog for two games. Landeskog will lose almost $60,000 during the suspension.
After Colorado's 3-2 win, Landeskog said there was no intent to injure Marchand on the play, which occurred at 5:46 of the second period at TD Garden.
"I came in as a late backchecker, and he takes his shot," Landeskog said. "Obviously he's in a vulnerable position, and I hit his shoulder first. I'm happy he wasn't hurt."
Marchand said he never saw the hit coming. When Marchand got to his feet after the penalty was called, Landeskog skated over and was saying something when Marchand punched him in the face with a straight right.
"I tried to skate up and apologize and tell him I didn't mean to come across, and obviously he wasn't hurt with that sucker punch," Landeskog said. "I'm happy he didn't get hurt. I feel like the point of contact was his shoulder."
Marchand said he didn't hear any apology.
"I don't know what he was saying," said Marchand, noting that his punch was in the heat of the moment.
Added Marchand: "Things happen quick. I know that I've been there, and I'm sure he didn't mean it. I don't think he's a dirty player. It's hockey. It is what it is."
Marchand, who was sporting an NHLPA hat when he addressed the situation after the game, suffered a concussion and missed a pair of games earlier this season.
"Anytime you get hit in the head, you're a little concerned, especially since I got a concussion a couple of weeks back, so I was definitely nervous, but I'm happy I'm OK," he said.
Marchand said he didn't go to the quiet room because he was fine after the hit.
Landeskog was fined $5,000 on March 3 for punching Minnesota Wild center Mikko Koivu while both players were on their respective benches.
Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.