When captain Brad Marchand departed Saturday’s 3–2 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins due to an unspecified upper-body injury, the Boston Bruins took yet another serious hit.
In the first period, Penguins defenseman Pierre-Olivier Joseph struck Marchand from behind, causing him to tumble into the boards and need help getting off the ice.
He was ruled out for the rest of the game by the Bruins, and head coach Joe Sacco did not provide much information following the game, thus his status is still unknown.
“I haven’t heard anything yet,” Sacco stated. “He obviously didn’t return to the game.” I’m likely to learn more tomorrow. Marchand’s history of concussions is another factor raising concerns.
He had to undergo protocol following a heavy fall into the boards during a game on February 22 and lost two games during the playoffs last season due to a concussion.
David Pastrnak expressed his annoyance at the hit’s non-call. Pastrnak remarked, “It’s never good to lose your captain,” “Especially a player like Marchy, who never lays on the ice.”
I find it absurd that there is a no-call penalty.
I believed it to be, particularly if a player had an injury, particularly a tough man like Marchy. I’m hoping he’ll be okay and return shortly.” Less than a week before the March 7 trade deadline, Marchand’s injury comes at a critical moment for Boston.
The 36-year-old’s eight-year, $49 million deal expires on July 1st, making him a potential unrestricted free agency. Marchand wants to sign a contract extension to stay with the Bruins, but he is often the subject of trade rumors.
Don Sweeney, general manager of the Boston Bruins, has been considering trade alternatives for some of the team’s pending free agents, but he has stated that Marchand’s contract extension is still possible before the season ends.
A Marchand absence would severely hurt Boston’s chances of making the playoffs and make them genuine sellers at the deadline, since they already have to deal with injuries to Charlie McAvoy, Hampus Lindholm, and Trent Frederic.
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