SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) 鈥� Bruins captain Brad Marchand will not play in Game 5 of Boston鈥檚 Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Florida Panthers on Tuesday night, coach Jim Montgomery said.
Marchand travelled with the team to Florida but is 鈥渘ot an option tonight,鈥� Montgomery said after the team鈥檚 morning skate.
Marchand, the team鈥檚 leading scorer in this year鈥檚 playoffs before he was injured, was staggered on a hit to his head from Panthers forward Sam Bennett in the first period of Game 3. Bennett, who was not penalized on the play, has denied punching Marchand intentionally.
Florida has won three straight games to take a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. Montgomery said the Bruins are hopeful of extending the series, in part to give Marchand the time to return.
鈥淕iving him an opportunity is extra motivation,鈥� Montgomery said.
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