Boston Bruins Pregame Notes: B’s Prepared for Five Games without Marchand
By Dan Watkins
The Boston Bruins play their final game before the All Star break Thursday night in Ottawa. With Brad Marchand suspended for the next five games, other players will have to step up to fill the void.
Bruce Cassidy said on Wednesday that the Boston Bruins would be prepared for the “Worst Case Scenario” regarding the decision that had yet to be made on Brad Marchand. We will find out starting Thursday night if the coaches words will ring true.
"“I’ve been trying to play a certain way for a while now, and it was never my intent to get into a situation like this, to injure Marcus, so hopefully he has a full healthy recovery very quickly,” said Marchand. “I let my teammates down – I know that – and I let the organization down. I have to be better, there’s no question. “I respect the league’s decision on the matter. They’re in the right to make the decisions that they do, and I’m going to live with it.”"
That was the statement made by recently suspended Bruins forward Brad Marchand Thursday. The five game suspension handed down by the league marks the sixth time Marchand has been suspended, and the ninth time he has been disciplined in his NHL career (three fines).
After watching the video the league put out regarding the suspension, it is clear why the five games were given. Watching the play from the side angle or behind Marchand, you can clearly see him launch himself and throw his arm up directly at the at the head of Marcus Johansson.
That on top of his prior conviction, makes the penalty understandable. The question though, is since these situations seem to happen almost annually with this player, what will the penalty be if/when Marchand finds himself in this predicament again?
If Marchand means what he said Thursday, hopefully this part of his game will be put in the past and we can focus on his other reputation, becoming one of the top goal scorers in the league.
Marchand will still be allowed to participate in All Star festivities this weekend in Tampa.
Bjork Recalled
In a corresponding move, Anders Bjork was recalled from Providence in the AHL, the 21 year old played in eight games for Providence notching four points (2-2-4). Prior to being sent down, he dressed in 28 games for the Bruins, totaling 12 points (4-8-12). Going by the morning skate, he will slot into Marchand’s spot next to Bergeron and Pastrnak.
Related Story: Brad Marchand's 5 game ban is a joke
Other Gameday Notes
Noel Acciari (Lower Body) has been ruled out for Thursday’s game. He was injured during the game against the Devils Tuesday. Frank Vatrano will step into his spot, seeing his first game action since December 21st.
David Krejci took the morning off from the optional morning skate. He will play tonight, “He’s just old” said Bruce Cassidy while laughing after being asked about the veteran center.
Projected Lineup:
Anders Bjork – Patrice Bergeron – David Pastrnak
Jake DeBrusk – David Krejci – Ryan Spooner
Danton Heinen – Riley Nash – David Backes
Tim Schaller – Sean Kuraly – Frank Vatrano
Zdeno Chara – Brandon Carlo
Torey Krug – Adam McQuaid
Matt Grzelcyk – Kevan Miller