Marchand Absent From Bruins' Morning Skate, Paille Game-Time Decision
BOSTON (CBS) -- The Bruins and Canadiens are prepared to face off tonight in Game 1 of their second-round series, but might Brad Marchand not be ready to go?
Marchand was absent from the Bruins' morning skate on Thursday morning.
Daniel Paille, who recently returned to practice after missing the first round due to a head injury, took Marchand's place on the second line with Patrice Bergeron and Reilly Smith.
Paille On Health, Habs:
Jordan Caron, who filled in for Paille on the fourth line during that Detroit series, remained in that spot, on Gregory Campbell's left wing, with Shawn Thornton on the right side.
Bruins head coach Claude Julien, in full playoff mode, said Marchand "took his option" to miss the morning skate. Julien also added that Paille would be a game-time decision on Thursday night.
Marchand missed AM skate - Claude says "he took his option" - Paille game-time decision #bruins #wbz
— Dan Roche (@RochieWBZ) May 1, 2014
Marchand was also absent from Tuesday's practice, though he did return to practice on Wednesday. He only joked that he "felt like taking the day off" when asked about his Tuesday absence. He did appear and sound to be dealing with a sickness, though it did not seem to be the type that would keep him out of a playoff game.
Marchand had no goals or assists in the five-game series against Detroit. He scored 25 goals with 28 assists during the regular season.
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