Marchand’s potential absence in Game 4 would be a sizable hit to an offense that has averaged two goals over the last six games.
If the Bruins are going to even their second-round series against the Panthers on Sunday evening, they might have to do without their captain.
Brad Marchand — felled in Friday night’s Game 3 loss in a collision with Panthers forward Sam Bennett — did not practice with his teammates on Saturday morning. Coach Jim Montgomery called Marchand’s injury an “upper-body” ailment, setting his status as “day to day.”
At first glance, Marchand was shaken up following a heavy reverse hit doled out by Bennett in the first period. But upon further review, it appears Bennett delivered a punch to Marchand’s head just before the skaters slammed into one another.
The 36-year-old Marchand was slow to get up, gingerly making his way to the bench and later consulting with the team’s medical staff.
Marchand remained on the bench and played 10:51 through the first two periods, but he did not return for the third period. He landed zero shots on goal with five hits and one blocked shot.
No penalties were assessed on the play, nor has Bennett faced any supplemental discipline.
“I haven’t seen it yet. So, I’ve got to go see that,” Charlie McAvoy said of the replay of the hit.
Montgomery noted that his eyes weren’t on the hit in real time, given that the puck was already pushed up the ice.
