By: Theo Lander | Follow me on Twitter @lander_theo
The rat is back.
Boston’s favorite pest is officially back in the Bruins’ lineup for the first time since May 14th. Marchand has been sidelined after going under the knife alongside teammates Charlie McAvoy and Matt Grzelcyk. McAvoy is now the lone player to remain rehabbing, with an expected return in early December.
Brad underwent a successful hip arthroscopy and labral repair on both hips shortly after their playoff exit to the Caroline Hurricanes and is returning well ahead of schedule. His expected recovery time was around six months, setting his return date to late November/early December. Nevertheless, the 14-year veteran will now return before Halloween. This situation nearly mirrors that of Matt Grzelcyk, who has already played in three games despite having a return date of early November.
Luckily for Marchand, he’s returning in the most ideal situation possible. The Bruins, 6-1-0, have been the season’s surprise, topping the league standings despite their early season injury woes. Linus Ullmark has been lights out (.936 SV%) and is leading the league in wins. David Pastrnak is lighting it up in his contract year, leading the league with 12 points. Taylor Hall is rolling with a three-game goal streak, and David Krejci has eight points in seven games. Patrice Bergeron is also scoring at a point-per-game pace at the age of 37.
Marchand is expected to join the top line tonight against the Red Wings in an Original Six match-up at TD Garden. He is projected to play alongside Bergeron and Jake DeBrusk, subject to change. However, according to coach Jim Montgomery, Marchand will not be participating in back-to-backs yet and will not make the trip to Columbus tomorrow. Montgomery added he plans to limit Marchand to around 16 to 17 minutes per game early in his return.
The Bruins were underestimated by many, myself included, mainly due to their injury situation in the season’s opening months. However, now that they’ve passed that trial with flying colors, it would be appropriate to reassess where this team may end up at the end of the year.
If this Bruins team can play at a world-class level without their top defenseman and top left-winger, imagine what they would be capable of with them on the ice. Marchand’s early return indicates that his recovery went swimmingly, expect big things out of him this season.
As far as the post-season goes, the run is back on. New England has Stanley Cup fever again.
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