Bruins' Brad Marchand Says Trying to Injure Opponents Is 'Part of' NHL Playoffs
May 16, 2024
Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand has missed the past two games of the series against the Florida Panthers while dealing with an injury inflicted by Sam Bennett, but he said teams trying to injure opponents is just part of the game, per ESPN's Greg Wyshynski.
"People don't want to say it, but part of playoffs is trying to hurt every player on the other team," Marchand said. "The more guys you take out, the more advantage your team has.
"Every time you step on the ice, someone is trying to hurt someone. That's just how it goes in the playoffs. That's part of the benefit of having a physical group. That's why you rarely see teams that are small and skilled go far. Because they get hurt."
Marchand took a shot to the upper body from Panthers' Bennett in Game 3, leaving him off the ice for Games 4 and 5. The Bruins lost Game 4 but staved off elimination by winning Game 5.
Marchand's injury came after he went to check Bennett near the wall and Bennett appeared to throw a punch aimed at Marchand, sending him to the ice and forcing him to miss the next two games.
NHLonTNT @NHL_On_TNTArmy, Ace and Biz went back to the tape on the shot Sam Bennett gave to Brad Marchand in Game 3 and they got some thoughts 👀 <a href="https://twitter.com/armdog?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@armdog</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AnsonCarterLA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ansoncarterla</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BizNasty2point0?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@biznasty2point0</a> <a href="https://t.co/kqJRr2px5V">pic.twitter.com/kqJRr2px5V</a>
Bennett denied any ill intent behind the hit, saying he was simply preparing for the impact from Marchand.
"I'm trying to brace myself. There's no way I would have had time to think about punching him in the face like everyone," Bennett said after Game 4.
Marchand recognizes that Bennett, who was not penalized on the play, might have gotten away with the hit, but he holds no bitterness given the circumstances.
"I think he got away with a shot," Marchand said. "But I'm not going to complain. S--t happens. That's part of playoff hockey. I've been on the other side of a lot of plays."
Marchand has notched two points during the series and has recorded three goals and seven assists this postseason. He has not been ruled out for Game 6 on Friday, but coach Jim Montgomery said the left wing has "got boxes to check" before he is given the go-ahead to return to the ice.
