The Boston Bruins could get back one of their biggest assets for Game 6 of their second-round playoff series against the Florida Panthers. Bruns captain Brad Marchand, who was injured during the first period of Game 3, could play in Game 6 on Friday.
Marchand suffered a hit to the head from Panthers forward Sam Bennett in Game 3 and hasn’t played since. Bennett denied that he punched Marchand deliberately.
“The more guys you take out, the more advantage your team has,” Marchand said Thursday. “People don’t say that but that’s just a fact of the game. So every time you step on the ice, someone’s trying to hurt someone. That’s just how it goes in the playoffs.”
During Thursday’s media availability, Marchand was asked if he thought that the play was a cheap shot.
“I think he got away with one but, I mean, that’s part of the game and definitely part of playoff hockey,” Marchand added. “It sucks to be on the other side of it, but that stuff happens. I’m not going to sit here and complain about it. … Part of playoffs is trying to hurt every player on the other team.”
Marchand is tied with fellow winger Jake DeBrusk for the team lead in points (10) during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. His seven assists currently lead the team in that department. Marchand tallied an assist in each of the first two games of the series against the Panthers.
The Bruins have cut the series deficit to 3-2 after previously losing three consecutive games to the Panthers. Boston goaltender Jeremy Swayman came up huge in Game 5 as he turned aside 28 of the 29 shots that he faced in a 2-1 Bruins victory.
The Boston Bruins are facing a crucial Game 6 in their first-round playoff series against the Florida Panthers, and all eyes are on the potential return of star forward Brad Marchand to the lineup. Marchand has been sidelined for the past two games after sustaining a hit from Panthers forward Sam Bennett in Game 3.
Marchand’s absence has been felt by the Bruins, as he is one of their top offensive weapons and a key player on their power play unit. His return would provide a much-needed boost to a team that is looking to stave off elimination and force a Game 7.
However, Marchand’s return is not without controversy, as many are still discussing the hit that knocked him out of the lineup in the first place. In Game 3, Bennett delivered a high hit to Marchand’s head, which resulted in a concussion for the Bruins forward. The hit was deemed illegal by the NHL, and Bennett was suspended for one game as a result.
Marchand himself has been vocal about the hit, calling it “dirty” and expressing his frustration with the league’s decision not to hand out a longer suspension to Bennett. He has also stated that he is feeling better and is eager to get back on the ice to help his team in their playoff push.
As the Bruins prepare for Game 6, all eyes will be on Marchand and his potential return to the lineup. His presence could be a game-changer for Boston, but it remains to be seen if he will be able to make a significant impact after missing two games due to injury.
Regardless of the outcome, one thing is for certain: Marchand’s return will add another layer of intensity to an already heated playoff series between the Bruins and Panthers. Fans can expect an exciting and hard-fought game as both teams battle it out for a spot in the second round of the playoffs.
