David Backes reacts to three-game suspension

After the team's morning skate Thursday, Bruins forward David Backes addressed his three-game suspension for his hit on Detroit Red Wings forward Frans Nielsen during Boston's 6-5 overtime win Tuesday night at TD Garden

There's no appeal process for a three-game suspension and Backes will return against the Hurricanes on Tuesday in Carolina. Backes will forfeit $96,774.18 in salary with the money going to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund. The incident occurred at 19:44 of the first period. Backes was assessed a minor penalty for roughing.

"First and foremost, the fact that Frans Nielsen's hurt, sucks," Backes said. "I wasn't intending to hurt him and I hope he has a quick and full recovery and he's back on the ice soon."

Backes described it as an awkward play, one that he ultimately tried to avoid but couldn't.

"He sees me coming and I'm going to finish a hit and trying to get around him and by the end I'm trying to abort the whole thing all together, just avoid it all," Backes said. "The decision is the decision and you swallow it."



Backes said he understands the process, but he's not going to change the way he plays, especially given the fact that this is the first time in his career that he's been suspended.

"I'm going to keep playing my style. I've been able to do it cleanly, effectively and hard-nosed."

Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy said he was a little surprised by the length of the suspension, so the team accepts the league's decision and will move on.

"We take our medicine," Cassidy said.

With Backes out, Tommy Wingels will play tonight.