San Jose Sharks defenceman Bryan Marchment has been suspended for three games for kneeing Montreal Canadiens forward Martin Rucinsky in a game Monday night.

Rucinsky was dropped by Marchment just 6:27 into Montreal's game at San Jose.

The Canadiens on the ice immediately attacked Marchment after the hit.

Marchment received a five-minute kneeing penalty and a game misconduct.

After three minutes on the ice, Rucinsky was helped to the locker-room.

He suffered a thigh contusion and did not return.

Marchment has a long and notorious history of vicious hits, though the veteran defenceman has always maintained he isn't a dirty player.

Earlier this season, Marchment dropped Edmonton captain Doug Weight with a knee-to-knee hit.

Marchment will miss San Jose's games against Los Angeles on Wednesday and Saturday and against Detroit on Sunday.

He will be eligible to return Tuesday at Colorado.