Early in the second period, Marchand tried to make a hit on Panthers forward Sam Bennett, but Marchand seemed to receive the worst of the contact and fell down along the boards in clear discomfort.
Marchand slowly got up to his feet and onto the bench right next to him, but was in clear pain following the collision. He was able to remain in the game for a while afterwards, but left the game later on with an upper body injury.
If the Bruins lose Brad Marchand to an injury for any time throughout the series, it feels like it would be simply too much for the team to overcome. The team has slowly lost its elite talent and legendary franchise players, now leaving just Marchand and Pastrnak as their high end forwards. Without Marchand in the lineup, it's unlikely the Bruins can keep up with the Cup-favourite Florida Panthers.
At the end of the second period down 3-0, the Bruins were booed off the ice at home in the infamously tough TD Garden. Already, it's looking the Bruins are in over their heads against the Panthers. Without Marchand in the lineup, it could be the end of their season very quickly.
In Oilers news today, the team finds themselves in a similar situation with Leon Draisaitl - but maybe not as dire. Draisaitl appeared to suffer an awkward back injury last game, but is officially a game-time decision tonight in game two.
POLL | ||
Can the Bruins still beat the Panthers even if Marchand goes down with injury? | ||
Yes, Bruins still have a chance | 52 | 33.1 % |
No, losing Marchand will be too much | 99 | 63.1 % |
See Results | 6 | 3.8 % |
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