Bruins' Brad Marchand Misses Practice Friday, Expected to Play vs. Rangers

Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand is dealing with an undisclosed injury that had him miss practice on Friday, but he is expected to play Saturday afternoon versus the New York Rangers.

Matt Porter of the Boston Globe reported on March 12 that head coach Bruce Cassidy said Marchand was "banged up" during Thursday's game against the Rangers.

Marchand's availability unclear for tomorrow. "Banged up" last night, per Cassidy.

Rask won't play tomorrow. Halak in.

Goalies TBD for Mon-Tues in PIT.
— Matt Porter (@mattyports) March 12, 2021

However, as of Saturday morning, Marchand was "feeling good," and Cassidy reported that he expects he'll play during the team's afternoon tilt. In other notes from the coach, Anders Bjork and Chris Wagner return to the Bruins lineup. Kevan Miller has begun skating and is likely to travel on the B's upcoming trip, and Brandon Carlo is “coming around” but is unsure if he’ll travel.

#NHLBruins pregame updates per Bruce Cassidy:

Brad Marchand feeling good, suspects he’ll play.

Anders Bjork and Chris Wagner go back in.

Kevan Miller has begun skating and is likely to travel on B’s upcoming trip.

Brandon Carlo is “coming around,” is unsure if he’ll travel. pic.twitter.com/mrI7rA1VSf
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) March 13, 2021

As for Marchand, he is coming off a three-point night for the Bruins versus the Rangers in the game he was apparently injured in.

He had an assist during the game in all possible situations, passing off to David Pastrnak for an even-strength goal, adding a helper on Patrice Bergeron's shorthanded goal in the first, while later, assisting on David Krejci's power-play goal in the second period.

He hasn't scored since his March 5 two-goal game versus the Washington Capitals, but the Halifax, Nova Scotia native, is still clipping along at more than a point-a-game pace, amassing 31 points (12 goals, 19 assists) in 24 games played.

Marchand's steady play over his career has him earning near unified praise as a player that could be destined for the Hockey Hall of Fame once all is said and done with his career. Though, that might just make some hockey fans throw up a little in their mouths.