Brad Marchand News

Marchand was questionable after missing Friday's practice but head coach Bruce Cassidy says he expects him to play vs. the Rangers. Marchand is hot right now, scoring three goals with eight assists (11 points) in his last seven games.

Marchand missed Friday's practice and his status for Saturday's matinee vs. New York is unclear. If Marchand can't play, look for Nick Ritchie to replace him on the top line with Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak.

There was initial concern that Marchand may miss the start of the regular season but he participated throughout training camp and head coach Bruce Cassidy expects him to be available on Thursday. With David Pastrnak out for the start of the year, Marchand will need to get off to a hot start for the Bruins to have success.

Marchand underwent sports hernia surgery in mid-September and was expected to be sidelined until mid-January. On Thursday, the Bruins announced that Marchand has been skating regularly, will be there for the start of training camp and should be good to go for the start of the regular season.

Marchand missed the Bruins morning skate and will be a game-time decision vs. the Lightning. With Marchand under the weather, Jake DeBrusk moved to the top line in the morning skate.

Marchand missed Saturday's practice with flu-like symptoms but will play Sunday vs. the Canadiens. This is obviously huge news for the Bruins, who are already without Patrice Bergeron on their top-line. Marchand comes into the game with 18 goals and 25 assists (43 points) in 26 games and has three points (1G / 2A) in two games vs. Montreal this year.

The Bruins have clinched home-ice advantage in the first-round of the playoffs so they will sit four key players to give them some rest. Marchand will be joined by David Krejci, Zdeno Chara and Charlie McAvoy.

Marchand missed the Bruins last contest but will be back in the lineup against the Blackhawks for the Winter Classic. Marchand will be back on the Bruins’ top line and enters play with 12 goals and 29 assists (41 points) in 38 games this season.

Marchand missed Friday’s practice with an upper-body injury and is not expected to play tomorrow. With Marchand out, Danton Heinen skated on the Bruins first line in practice.

Marchand missed Sunday’s game against the Blackhawks but he will draw back into the lineup tonight. Marchand should be active in all formats, especially against Cam Ward and the Hurricanes who are in the second game of a back-to-back.

Marchand took the ice for warmups but was a late scratch against the Blackhawks on Sunday afternoon. However, he was on the ice for the Bruins morning skate on Tuesday and should play despite being labeled as a game-time decision.