FOXBORO — The last thing Brad Marchand wanted to do was put his teammates at his disadvantage before the Winter Classic. That is exactly what happened on Tuesday night when he clipped Sens defenseman Mark Borowiecki during the Bruins’ 7-3 win during a wild night at TD Garden.

Marchand, who served as an assistant captain for the game, was handed a three-game ban by the NHL Department of Player Safety for the play on Wednesday. Less than 24 hours after the ruling, a frustrated Marchand faced media — along with General Manager Don Sweeney — and was apologetic towards his teammates and fans for his actions on Tuesday night.

“I just want to acknowledge the situation that I put my teammates in and affecting the game for them, and taking away for the excitement for the fans being a part of this rivalry and taking it away from them, and also affecting this game for myself and putting myself in the situation to not be a part of this” expressed Marchand.

“So I want 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 to injure anyone on that play.”

Not being able to play in the NHL’s biggest regular season event is already frustrating enough for Marchand. With David Krejci and Joonas Kemppainen on injured reserve, the sixth-year Bruin is equally embarrassed that he put his team in a bigger hole up front.

A frustrated and apologetic Brad Marchand faces the media — along with GM Don Sweeney — faces the media after yesterday’s ruling from the NHL Department of Player Safety. (Photo by Tim Rosenthal, Bruins Daily)

“It’s very disappointing. It’s something that we’re all looking forward to, and I respect the decision that the league has made, and I’m going to live with it,” Marchand said about not participating in the league’s annual New Year’s Day outdoor event.

“That’s the situation that I’m speaking of when I put my team down, and we already have some injuries,” Marchand added about the forward depth thinning out before their game against the Habs. “Again, I’ve put them at a disadvantage, so that is frustrating, yes.”

Adding fuel to what is already expected to be a barnburner when the Bruins and Senators meet again, Marchand is eligible to return when the two teams renew acquaintances on January 9th in Ottawa.

Because of Marchand’s suspension, Sweeney was forced to make a roster move as he recalled Alex Khoklachev from Providence. To make room for Khoklachev, the Bruins GM sent defenseman Colin Miller down to Providence.