During on ice-melee between the two teams, the Bruins defenceman made a throat-slashing motion aimed at Ribeiro.
The fracas occurred after Boynton jabbed his stick at Ribeiro, who dropped to the ice and feigned injury.
Boynton was assessed a double-minor penalty for spearing and a game misconduct.
The NHL has suspended Bruins defenceman Nick Boynton for one game. (CP Photo)
"We were playing like [crap] and I was just trying to spark the team a little bit," Boynton told the Boston Globe after the game.
The Bruins, who are chasing the Canadiens for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, ended up losing 3-0.
Boynton will miss Saturday's game against the New York Islanders and forfeit $6,010.20 US in salary.
with files from Canadian Press
