Florida Panthers' Sam Bennett (9) checks Boston Bruins' Brad Marchand (63) during the first period in Game 3 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup second-round playoff series Friday, May 10, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) – Bruins captain Brad Marchand will not play in Game 5 of Boston’s Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Florida Panthers on Tuesday night, coach Jim Montgomery said.
Marchand travelled with the team to Florida but is “not an option tonight,” Montgomery said after the team’s morning skate.
Marchand, the team’s leading scorer in this year’s playoffs before he was injured, was staggered on a hit to his head from Panthers forward Sam Bennett in the first period of Game 3. Bennett, who was not penalized on the play, has denied punching Marchand intentionally.
Florida has won three straight games to take a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. Montgomery said the Bruins are hopeful of extending the series, in part to give Marchand the time to return.
“Giving him an opportunity is extra motivation,” Montgomery said.
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