Bruins skipper sidelined for Game 4 against Panthers.

12/05/2024 Simeon Hockey 0

The Boston Bruins find themselves trailing 1-2 as they gear up for Game 4 against the Florida Panthers. However, the challenge has become even tougher with one of their key players sidelined due to injury.

In a press briefing Sunday morning, Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery confirmed that team captain Brad Marchand will be sitting out Game 4 due to an upper-body injury sustained in a collision with Panthers center Sam Bennett during Game 3.

Marchand, a pivotal left winger for the Bruins, exited the previous game before the start of the third period.

Montgomery addressed the incident, hinting at a contentious history between Marchand and Bennett. While some argued the collision was unintentional, the Bruins maintain their perspective. Bennett, who had a history of fines for similar incidents, was involved in another controversial play.

The absence of Marchand poses a significant setback for the Bruins in the playoffs, as he leads the team in points and shares the second spot in goals this postseason.

With Marchand sidelined, left winger Danton Heinen, recently cleared to return from an undisclosed injury, may step in. Heinen, who has contributed one assist in five games this postseason, could be a vital replacement for the injured star.

Despite the setback, the Bruins are poised to turn Marchand’s injury into motivation for Game 4.

Center Pavel Zacha emphasized their intent to send a message by targeting the Panthers’ top players. The Bruins are prepared to elevate their physicality and intensity to assert their presence on the ice and respond to the incident involving their captain.