Brad Marchand misses practice, questionable for Saturday vs. Rangers
The Bruins could be without Brad Marchand on Saturday.
Mar 11, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins center Brad Marchand (63) controls the puck against New York Rangers defenseman Adam Fox (23) during the third period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
After a three-assist performance in a 4-0 win over the Rangers on Thursday night, a 'banged-up' Brad Marchand was absent from Friday's practice at Warrior Ice Arena and is officially questionable for Saturday's matinee rematch.
"I know Brad hates missing games, so we'll see how he is in the morning [Saturday]," Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy said. "He wasn't able to practice [Friday]. Hopefully he's better tomorrow."
It's unclear what exactly is ailing the 32-year-old star, but it is worth mentioning that Marchand did head down the tunnel and back to the B's locker room for a quick bit in the B's Thursday night victory over the Rangers.
Marchand has played in 94 straight games for the Bruins dating back to the start of last season, with his last absence coming with the top-line winger resting for the final two games of the 2018-19 regular season. Excluding games off due to rest, Marchand hasn't missed a game due to injury since Dec. 29, 2018.
That's one hell of a streak given the way Marchand plays and the minutes logged on his blades.
It'll be interesting to see how Marchand and the Bruins approach Saturday's game, too, as a 1 p.m. start means that there will not be a morning skate of any sort, so the call on Marchand may come down to how he feels in the pregame warmup.
Marchand lead the Bruins in goals (12), assists (19, and points (31), and his 31 points are the ninth-most in the NHL.
