It was a tough night for the Bruins on Friday who lost to Florida to now trail two games to one in their second-round series. They also lost one of their top players in the process with Brad Marchand exiting the game in the second period off a hit from Sam Bennett. Speaking with reporters postgame including Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald, head coach Jim Montgomery didn’t have any immediate updates about the availability of his captain for Sunday’s contest. Marchand leads Boston in scoring in the postseason with three goals and seven assists through ten games and with the Bruins struggling offensively the last couple of games, losing their top scorer would certainly be a significant blow.
More from the Atlantic:
- After being added to Canada’s roster on Friday, Maple Leafs captain John Tavares has been named as captain for the Canadians at the Worlds, Hockey Canada announced (Twitter link). The 33-year-old saw his output dip this season but he still managed 29 goals and 36 assists for Toronto in 80 games but was limited to just one goal and one assist in their first-round loss to Boston. This is his fourth appearance at the World Championship although it has been a while since Tavares has taken part; he last participated back in 2012.
- Panthers prospect Albert Wikman has been loaned to Sodertalje in Sweden’s Allsvenskan for next season, per a team announcement (Twitter link). The 19-year-old blueliner was a fourth-round pick last June, going 127th overall. Wikman spent most of this season playing in Farjestad’s junior system, notching 20 points in 45 games while also making a pair of SHL and Allsvenskan appearances. While still eligible to play at the junior level, it appears the determination has been made to have him play a full professional campaign at the second-tier level to aid in his development.