Bruce Cassidy told reporters that Brad Marchand (upper-body injury) will be a game-time decision for the Bruins as they take on the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena in Raleigh. Marchand sat out Sunday’s loss to the Blackhawks, but returned to the ice for Tuesday’s practice.
“I don’t want to get out in front of it,” Cassidy said. “We hope he’ll play.”
Marchand scored 8 points in 3 games prior to sitting out on Sunday against the Blackhawks. He still did enough to earn second star of the week from the NHL. David Backes, meanwhile, returns from his three-game suspension ready to go against the ‘Canes. He skated on a line with Danton Heinen and Brian Gionta on Tuesday.
The B’s remain without Patrice Bergeron, who continues to recover from a small fracture in his foot. He’s out for at least the next three games as he gets “further evaluation,” according to Cassidy. That leaves next Monday, March 19 against the Blue Jackets at TD Garden as the earliest possible return date for him.
Cassidy had nothing to report about Bergeron’s status for next week, except that “we’ll have a better idea how he’s progressing.”
Brad Marchand (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Across The Bench…
Here’s what else to know ahead of Tuesday’s game against the Hurricanes:
— Carolina is 3-3-0 in six games since losing to the Bruins on Feb. 27 in Boston. They allowed a hat trick to Jimmy Vesey (and another assist for Ryan Spooner) on Monday night against the Rangers. Vesey finished off the hatty with a long-range empty-netter.
— Teuvo Teravainen remains on a hot streak since scoring a goal and an assist against the Bruins last week. He’s scored another 4 goals in 6 games since the loss to the B’s, including a tally against the Rangers on Monday. He and linemate Sebastian Aho gave the Bruins trouble last time out and still looks dangerous.
— The Hurricanes, however, have had troubles of their own. They’ve allowed 17 goals in their last 4 games after winning two straight by scores of 4-1 and 3-1. This game could end up being quite similar offensively to the last time these teams played each other.
— By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.