Bruins GM Don Sweeney gives new update on Brad Marchand injury

Bruins GM Don Sweeney gives new update on Brad Marchand injury originally appeared in NBC Sports Boston

We still don’t know if Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand will play in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference second-round playoff series against the Florida Panthers on Tuesday night.

But the veteran left guard will accompany the team to Sunrise, Fla., according to B’s general manager Don Sweeney.

“Brad skated today. He will travel with the team,” Sweeney said at a news conference Monday before the team’s departure to Florida. “He’s still day to day.”

When asked if Marchand is feeling better, Sweeney responded, “Yes.”

UPDATE (May 14): Marchand will not be available to play in Game 5coach Jim Montgomery confirmed Tuesday morning.

Marchand suffered an injury to the upper body as the result of a controversial coup by Panthers center Sam Bennett in the first period of game 3.

Replays show that Bennett punched Marchand in the head, but the NHL Department of Player Safety did not fine or suspend the Panthers star as a result. He was also not penalized in the game.

Marchand played until the end of the second period of Game 3, but did not play in the third period. He also missed Game 4.

The fact that Marchand is well enough to skate and travel is encouraging, but it appears he isn’t healthy enough to play in Game 5 yet.

It’s a must-win game for the Bruins, who are down 3-1 in the series after Sunday night’s 3-2 defeat at home in Game 4.