Marchand: Injuring opponents 'part of playoffs'

Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand said Sam Bennett “got away with one” when he struck Marchand’s head in Game 3, but that opponents seeking to injure each other is just a part of playoff hockey.

“People don’t want to say it, but part of playoffs is trying to hurt every player on the other team. The more guys you take out, the more advantage your team has,” said Marchand, speaking for the first time after leaving Game 3 against the Florida Panthers with an injury.

“Every time you step on the ice, someone is trying to hurt someone. That’s just how it goes in the playoffs. That’s part of the benefit of having a physical group. That’s why you rarely see teams that are small and skilled go far. Because they get hurt,” he said.

Marchand missed the past two games of the series, with the Bruins losing Game 4 but avoiding elimination with a Game 5 win in Sunrise, Florida. Game 6 is scheduled for Friday night in Boston, with Florida leading the series 3-2.

Coach Jim Montgomery was hopeful that Marchand could return to the Bruins for Game 6 but stressed that his captain has “got boxes to check” before being cleared for the game. He’s officially day-to-day with an upper-body injury. One encouraging sign for Marchand and Boston: He took regular line rushes and was on the first power-play unit in practice Thursday.

The Bruins would welcome him back, as Marchand has 10 points in 10 games (3 goals, 7 assists), tied for the team lead in scoring with Jake DeBrusk.

Marchand’s injury might have resulted from a controversial play involving Bennett. As Marchand went to hit Bennett near the benches, Bennett appeared to throw a gloved punch with his right hand as they made contact. Bennett has denied throwing a punch.

“I’m trying to brace myself. There’s no way I would have had time to think about punching him in the face like everyone,” he said after Game 4.

Marchand called Bennett “an extremely physical player” who does great work for the Panthers. Bennett wasn’t penalized on the play and did not receive any supplemental discipline from the NHL Department of Player Safety.

“I think he got away with a shot. But I’m not going to complain. S— happens. That’s part of playoff hockey, I’ve been on the other side of a lot of plays,” Marchand said.