BOSTON — Bruins winger Brad Marchand did not play in Monday’s loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning as he recovers from a concussion sustained Saturday night.
The Bruins have not announced a timetable for Marchand’s return, but head coach Claude Julien said he hopes the 27-year-old will be able to travel with the team on its upcoming road trip, which includes stops in Colorado and Arizona.
“It’s too early (to say),” Julien said before Monday’s 6-3 loss at TD Garden. “He’s still going through some daily evaluation. I’d be optimistic right now, but then again, I could be wrong.”
Marchand did not factor into the scoring in losses to the Winnipeg Jets and Montreal Candiens but did record seven shots on goal while playing alongside Patrice Bergeron and Loui Eriksson on Boston’s first line.
“He’s a great player for us,” defenseman Torey Krug said before Monday’s game. “(But) we know that when we lose key players, we like to think that our system and our team is greater than just one player. So hopefully with Marchand out, it brings opportunity to another player, and they can step up and fill that role.”
Brett Connolly was that player Monday, shifting up from the third line to fill Marchand’s spot on the first. Connolly finished with three shots on goal, three hits and one blocked shot in 13:58 of ice time.
“I think he had some good chances (Monday),” Julien said. “I’d like for him to produce when he gets those opportunities.”
The Bruins, who have yet to earn their first win of the season, visit the Avalanche on Wednesday night and the Coyotes on Saturday.
Thumbnail photo via Perry Nelson/USA TODAY Sports Images
