There is no doubt that Brad Marchand’s absence on the ice has been critical for the Bruins, but the captain is still doing everything he can off the court.
Marchand will miss his second straight game due to an upper-body injury sustained in Game 3 following a disputed contact by Sam Bennett. The 36-year-old accompanied the squad to Florida and participated in practice Tuesday morning. It was something that may set the tone for Boston’s fifth game against the Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena.
“Well, his presence, there’s an intensity to him about everything he does, and there’s a professionalism to everything he does,” Jim Montgomery told reporters, according to the Bruins. “This is a common effect on the group. “That’s what we’re used to.”
Montgomery added that the squad is focused on winning Game 5, but noted there may be “extra motivation” to send the series back to Boston so Marchand can return. The captain’s mere presence boosted locker room mood significantly.
According to the Bruins, “He’s a great captain, and everyone has a lot of respect for him in this room,” Morgan Geekie told reporters. “It’s great to see him on the ice and making progress. We’re just glad he’s around. He’s a very joyful man who brings a lot of energy into the room. You notice when he isn’t present, thus it’s a good thing he’s here. We’re glad to have him on the trip, and we simply need to get the job done for him.”
Puck drop for Bruins and Panthers Game 5 is set for 7 p.m. ET, and you can watch pregame and postgame coverage on NESN+.
