BOSTON -- When the Bruins returned to the ice to start the third period they were without their captain -- Brad Marchand.

Marchand collided with Panthers forward Sam Bennett and crashed into the boards just roughly four minutes into the opening frame.

The pesky forward led with his right shoulder as Bennett braced for the hit, forcing Marchand to the ice and he slid into the boards right next to the Bruins bench door.

Story continues below advertisement

Marchand didn't go down the tunnel but appeared to be laboring on the bench. He had five hits and one blocked shot in 10:51 minutes of ice time. Marchand did not return for the start of the third period, and the Bruins announced he was unlikely to return with an upper-body injury.

Featured image via Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports Images