I believe it angers everybody.
If the Bruins come out with an added intensity at TD Garden on Sunday night, the reason will be clear to anyone observing the game.
Brad Marchand will be absent from Boston’s lineup in Game 4 against the Florida Panthers due to an upper-body injury he sustained during a hit by Sam Bennett in Game 3, which Jim Montgomery believes was intentional. Trent Frederic admitted that he couldn’t fully assess the severity of Marchand’s hit in real time. However, upon reviewing replays of the incident, the Bruins forward expressed frustration about what transpired.
“I think it upsets everyone,” Frederic told reporters on Sunday. “I think this whole team kind of frustrates everyone, to be honest. So, there are certain individuals that might aggravate guys more, make them angrier. It’s frustrating, but we still have a job to do. We’re still behind 2-1 and looking to even the score tonight.”
While the Bruins may have retribution on their minds as they take the ice on Sunday night, Frederic emphasized the importance of maintaining composure, especially in the playoffs.
“It’s a very delicate balance,” Frederic explained. “I’m sure all the referees are aware of what happened in the last three games, what happened last game. Ideally, we could address it and be fair — an eye for an eye. But sometimes that’s not how it works. You just have to find your place.”
Nevertheless, Boston’s primary focus on Sunday should be executing the game plan it believes will help level the best-of-seven series. The game will commence at 6:30 p.m. ET, with pregame coverage available on NESN an hour before.