Brad Marchand confesses ‘fighting’ doctors and not being upfront

The Boston Bruins were unable to revenge their 2023 loss to the Florida Panthers, losing 4–2 in the second round of the 2024 NHL playoffs.

Brad Marchand, the Bruins captain, missed two games due to a “upper-body” injury prior to the Game 6 loss, but returned on Friday, May 17. Even with him on the ice, Boston lost 2-1 to the Panthers at TD Garden.

Marchand spoke candidly to the media on May 16, before Game 6, and discussed Sam Bennett’s sucker punch that pushed him out of Games 4 and 5. Following the Game 6 loss, Marchand was even more frank about his injury recovery.

“You know, I definitely pushed it getting back,” Marchand told reporters at his postgame media availability on May 17, according to NESN. “I wouldn’t say I was open about my feelings, but it’s difficult to sit out and decide to sit out.

“The only reason I was pulled from that game and put on protocol was because physicians compelled me to. So, yeah, I got through it.”

Marchand’s admission of “fighting” team physicians over his return in time for Game 6 was not captured in NESN’s postgame availability video, but was uncovered by The Athletic’s Steve Buckley in a piece published on May 18.

Buckley claims he “leaned in and asked” Marchand if he “did fight the doctors to get back out there?” Marchand responded, “Umm, yeah, I did,” according to Buckley’s report.

“I mean, I did,” Marchand replied. “But at the end of the day, it’s their decision. I was able to play the first and second periods (of Game 3), but they removed me at that time.”

Brad Marchand Tried to Avoid Entering Concussion Protocol

Marchand was initially declared out of Game 3 prior to the third period. He collided with Panthers forward Sam Bennett in the first frame, but no one saw what happened.

Following video review and the revelation of an unseen perspective of Bennett’s hit, the Bruins accused the Panthers player of sucker-punching Marchand, resulting in a “upper-body” damage.

Army, Ace and Biz went back to the tape on the shot Sam Bennett gave to Brad Marchand in Game 3 and they got some thoughts 👀 @armdog @ansoncarterla @biznasty2point0 pic.twitter.com/kqJRr2px5V

— NHLonTNT (@NHL_On_TNT) May 12, 2024

Without using the word “concussion” specifically, Marchand stated that he went through the “protocol,” which is the phrase used for that type of injury because players must clear it and receive approval from physicians before returning to play.

At the end of the day, as Marchand stated, doctors won the battle and kept the Bruins captain out of two games (and one period) to recover from his concussion.

Marchand’s admission, on the other hand, raises concerns about his health. Marchand’s words also raised the likelihood that he pushed the medics to return for Game 6.

Bruins’ Marchand Justified His Approach Based on His Hockey Legacy

Marchand was appointed the Bruins’ captain ahead of the 2024 season. That decision came after Patrice Bergeron retired in 2023 at the age of 37, putting veteran Marchand at the top of Boston’s depth chart.

Marchand, who turned 36 on May 11, 2024, is starting his final season with the Boston Bruins. He was a member of the Stanley Cup-winning squad in 2011, although he lost two further Stanley Cup Finals, in 2013 and 2019.

The skipper talked about his decision to try to get out of the protocol. He cited his hockey career and legacy as motivations for returning early, even if it meant he “wasn’t upfront” about his condition.

“You work your entire life to be in a position to play for the Cup,” Marchand told reporters. “I mentioned it briefly the other day, but in order to succeed and advance, you must be willing to make sacrifices.

“I don’t mind playing pain, no matter what it is. You want to be out there with the boys, especially in an elimination game. You want to go through it together. We’ve spent the entire year building something, and you want to be a part of it. Whether you win or lose, you want to be in the fight with the boys and live every minute.