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Greg Wyshynski, ESPN
Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand believes Sam Bennett “got away with it” when he headbutted Marchand in Game 3, but rivals looking to hurt each other is just part of a hockey game.
“People don’t want to say it, but part of the playoffs is trying to hurt every player on the other team,” Marchand said, speaking for the first time since his departure. “The more players you eliminate, the more advantage your team has.” Game 3 against the Florida Panthers with an injury.
“Every time you step on the ice, someone’s trying to hurt someone. That’s the way it goes in the playoffs. That’s part of the benefit of having a physical group. That’s why you rarely see young, skilled teams go away. Because they get hurt,” he said. .
Marchand missed the final two games of the series, as the Bruins lost Game 4 but avoided elimination with a win in Game 5 at Sunrise. Game 6 is scheduled for Friday night in Boston, with Florida leading the series 3-2.
Coach Jim Montgomery was hopeful Marchand would return to the Bruins for Game 6 but emphasized that his captain “has boxes to check” before clearing him for the game. He’s officially dealing with an upper-body injury on a daily basis. One encouraging sign for Marchand and Boston: He has blitzed regularly and was on the first power play unit at practice Thursday.
The Bruins will welcome him back, as Marchand has 10 points and 10 games played (3 goals, 7 assists), tied with Jake DeBrusk for the team lead.
Marchand’s injury may have been caused by a controversial play involving Bennett. When Marchand went to hit Bennett near the benches, Bennett appeared to throw a right-handed punch while making contact. Bennett denied throwing a punch.
“I’m trying to prepare,” he said after Game 4. “There’s no way I’m going to have time to think about punching him in the face like everyone else.”
Marchand described Bennett as a “very physical player” who is doing a great job for the Panthers. Bennett was not penalized for the play and received no additional discipline from the NHL’s Department of Player Safety.
“I think he got away with a shot. But I’m not going to complain. It happens. That’s part of the hockey game, I’ve been on the other side of a lot of plays,” Marchand said.
