Boston Bruins fans received a scare on Tuesday night when star forward and team captain Brad Marchand exited early from the preseason game against the Philadelphia Flyers. Given the numerous surgeries Marchand underwent during the offseason, there was immediate concern when the 36-year-old wasn’t on the bench at the start of the second period.
However, the Bruins quickly provided an update, clarifying that Marchand’s early exit was due to illness, not injury. The team labeled him as questionable to return, but fortunately, it had nothing to do with his health following the surgeries. Marchand had just made his preseason debut after a delayed start to training camp, having shed his non-contact practice jersey only the previous week.
During the offseason, Marchand underwent three surgeries to address issues with his elbow, groin, and a sports hernia, so any absence from the ice is bound to cause concern. Marchand played just over four minutes in the first period and did not register a shot.
Given his recent recovery, the Bruins are expected to proceed cautiously with their captain and avoid pushing him in any games that don’t count. With two more preseason games against the Los Angeles Kings and Washington Capitals, Marchand will have time to ease back into form before the regular season opener against the reigning Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers next Tuesday.
While Tuesday’s illness sidelined Marchand temporarily, it served as a reminder of how critical his health is to the Bruins’ hopes this season.
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