Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand has been suspended five games by the NHL's Department of Player Safety for elbowing New Jersey Devils forward Marcus Johansson in the head on Tuesday night.

Boston’s Brad Marchand suspended five games for elbowing New Jersey’s Marcus Johansson. https://t.co/yGnRiVHgNn — NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) January 24, 2018

The incident occurred late in the third period when Marchand and Johansson collided in front of the net in pursuit of a loose puck following a shot from Marchand. Marchand's elbow clearly made contact with Johansson's head, but it's hard to say whether or not it was intentional.

Marchand Suspension History

Apr. 4, 2017 - 2 games - Spearing

Dec. 29, 2015 - 3 games - Clipping

Jan 15, 2015 - 2 games - Slew footing

Jan. 7, 2012 - 5 games - Clipping

Mar. 15, 2011 - 2 games - Elbowing

The Bruins winger was not penalized while Johansson stayed down on the ice before being helped off. He did not return to action and was later diagnosed with a concussion.

After the game, Marchand said he wasn't sure what happened on the play.

“What happened? I don’t know. He got hurt. I don’t know what happened…I have no idea what happened,” Marchand told Joe Haggerty of NBC Boston. “I took a shot and I tumbled down and he was hurt. So I don’t know what happened there, but hopefully he’s okay.”

The 29-year-old has been suspended five times in his career, most recently picking up a two-game suspension for spearing Jake Dotchin of the Tampa Bay Lightning last April. Including fines, Marchand has surrendered $499,046.91 in salary for on-ice offences since 2011.

Despite the suspension, Marchand will be allowed to play in the All-Star Game this weekend in Tampa Bay if he wishes. According to TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun, Marchand plans to play in the game, barring a change of heart.

Alex Ovechkin was handed a three-game suspension right before the 2012 All-Star Game, but decided to pull out.

Marchand, now a two-time All-Star, is expected to address the media Thursday in Ottawa, according to LeBrun.