Brad Marchand Returns to Practice as Panthers Monitor Key Injuries Ahead of Bruins Matchup
FORT LAUDERDALE - The Florida Panthers didn’t exactly flood the ice at Tuesday’s practice, but the presence of Brad Marchand was enough to turn heads - and spark some optimism.
Marchand, who’s been sidelined the past two games with a lower-body injury - the same issue that cost him seven games earlier this season - skated without a no-contact jersey, a clear signal that he’s trending in the right direction. While nothing is confirmed yet, there’s a growing sense that the veteran winger could be back in the lineup Wednesday night when the Panthers host the Boston Bruins - his former team.
Head coach Paul Maurice kept things close to the vest when asked about Marchand’s availability, as well as the status of forwards Anton Lundell and Sam Bennett, both dealing with upper-body injuries.
“There’s a chance they all play tomorrow,” Maurice said. “There’s a chance none of them play tomorrow. We won’t know until after the morning skate.”
That’s classic Maurice - keeping the cards face-down until the last possible moment. But even with uncertainty swirling, there’s reason for cautious optimism.
Bennett’s situation, in particular, raised some concern after he exited Monday’s 5-3 loss to Buffalo following the first period and didn’t return. He wasn’t on the ice Tuesday, but the team doesn’t believe the injury is anything long-term. That’s backed up by the fact that Team Canada just named Bennett to its 2026 Olympic roster, filling in for Anthony Cirelli.
“We didn’t know how serious it was at the time,” Maurice said. “It was serious enough that he didn’t feel right and we needed a day - or 48 hours - to get a handle on how serious it is. … We’re not messing around with a player.”
That last line is telling. The Panthers are in the thick of the season grind, and with Game No. 56 on deck against a physical Bruins squad, there’s no appetite for unnecessary risks. Florida’s depth has been tested throughout the year, and while they’ve managed to stay competitive, having key guys like Marchand, Lundell, and Bennett available would be a major boost.
Wednesday’s matchup marks the second of three regular-season meetings between the Panthers and Bruins. Florida took the first one back in October with a 4-3 win in Boston. The Panthers will look to make it two straight against their Atlantic Division rivals in front of a national TV audience.
Panthers vs. Bruins - What You Need to Know
- When: Wednesday, 7 p.m. ET
- Where: Amerant Bank Arena, Sunrise, FL
- Watch: TNT / truTV
- Stream: HBO Max
- Radio: WQAM, WBZT 1230-AM (Palm Beach), WCTH 100.3-FM (Florida Keys), SiriusXM (Channel 932, NHL App)
Series Snapshot
- This season: Panthers lead 1-0
- Last season: Series tied 2-2
- All-time: Bruins lead 66-40-7, plus six ties
After Wednesday’s tilt, the Panthers hit the road for a divisional showdown with the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday night - a quick turnaround that only adds to the importance of managing injuries wisely.
For now, all eyes are on the morning skate. If Marchand, Lundell, or Bennett get the green light, it could make all the difference in a game that’s shaping up to be a measuring stick for both teams.