Marchand accompanies the Bruins on their trip to Florida, while Sweeney calls for increased transparency from the NHL.
BOSTON -- Brad Marchand appears to be making strides in his recovery following a hit from Florida's Sam Bennett that sidelined him during Friday night's Game 3 between the Bruins and the Panthers. However, it's likely that the Bruins will be without their captain for a second consecutive playoff game as they face elimination on Tuesday night in Florida.
Marchand's status remains day-to-day, with signs of improvement evident on Monday. He returned to the ice for a brief skate and subsequently traveled with the team ahead of Tuesday's pivotal Game 5, both positive developments in his recovery process.
While confirming Marchand's participation in the team activities, Bruins general manager Don Sweeney suggested that extending the Bruins' season beyond Tuesday would be necessary for Marchand to return to game action.
"He's still considered day-to-day, and we're hopeful for his continued progress. We need to give him the necessary time," Sweeney told reporters before the Bruins departed for Florida.
Marchand was absent from Sunday night's 3-2 loss at TD Garden, sidelined for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals due to an upper body injury sustained early in Game 3. In the first period, Marchand absorbed a forceful—and questionable—hit from Bennett. Despite remaining in the game and playing through the second period, he was ultimately ruled out for the final frame.
A fresh angle of the incident, unveiled on Sunday, revealed Bennett striking Marchand with a right hook as contact was made with the Bruins' captain. Despite this new perspective, the NHL, having received the footage on Sunday, opted not to suspend Bennett for the hit, according to ESPN's Emily Kaplan.
Adding to Boston's frustrations, Bennett went on to net a contentious game-tying goal in the third period of Game 4.
On Monday, Sweeney emphasized the necessity for greater transparency from the NHL regarding hits such as Bennett's on Marchand.
"The Department of Player Safety must clarify their stance on how they interpret such situations," asserted Sweeney. "We've scrutinized every available angle. Similar scrutiny is applied when Brad himself has faced disciplinary action, with comparables examined."
"That's their responsibility—to safeguard the players," Sweeney continued. "We must respect their judgment, whatever it may be."
Bennett defended his actions on TNT following Sunday's contest in Boston, asserting that he was bracing for contact from Marchand when delivering the hit.
"Opinions may vary. It's playoff hockey," remarked Bennett. "There are physical plays. While it's regrettable he was hit, it's a standard hockey maneuver in my view."
The Bruins undoubtedly seek Marchand's return to the lineup on Tuesday night, trailing the Panthers 3-1 in the series. Marchand has tallied three goals and seven assists in his ten postseason appearances, leading the Bruins with ten points.
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