Brad Marchand returning for Bruins in must-win Game 6 vs. Panthers

BOSTON -- It's nearly game time for the Bruins and the Panthers, and a decision has been made on Brad Marchand. The Bruins captain will be back in the Boston lineup for Friday night's Game 6 at TD Garden.

Marchand was considered a game-time decision Friday morning after missing the last two games with an upper-body injury that he suffered on a controversial hit by Florida's Sam Bennett back in Game 3. He traveled with the team to Florida for Game 5, and ramped up at Thursday's practice in Brighton, indicating that he was close to a return.

Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery said Friday morning that Marchand still had steps to go through before being cleared, but with no setbacks, No. 63 will be back on the ice for Boston's must-win tilt against the Panthers.

While Jeremy Swayman led the Bruins onto the TD Garden ice Friday night, Marchand was right behind him, drawing a big cheer from the fans in the stands.

While Marchand hasn't scored a goal since Game 4 of the first round against the Toronto Maple Leafs, his return should provide an obvious emotional boost for the Bruins. And despite not scoring over his last six games and missing the last two contests, Marchand's 10 points this postseason (three goals, seven assists) are tied for the most on the Bruins with forward Jake DeBrusk (five goals, five assists).

The Bruins need to win Friday night to force a winner-takes-all Game 7 back in Florida on Sunday. Boston has never overcome a 3-1 series deficit in the playoffs.