Bruins take another big hit, as Marchand out tonight vs. Wild

BRIGHTON -- Add Brad Marchand to the list of Bruins walking wounded.

Marchand is out for Monday night’s game against the Minnesota Wild after getting pretty banged up in last weekend’s black-and-blue outing against the Washington Capitals. Marchand, nursing what appeared to be a knee injury, took a borderline low hit from Washington defenseman John Carlson behind the play midway through the game while also absorbing a number of high hits as well, including one from Tom Wilson. After the Carlson hit, Marchand limped to the bench and smashed his stick over the dasher in frustration and perhaps now we know why he was so aggravated.

The good news is that Marchand finished the game and coach Bruce Cassidy said today that he hoped it was “nothing serious,” especially with David Krejci, Ryan Spooner, David Backes, Adam McQuaid and Noel Acciari already sidelined.

But Marchand is Boston’s leading goal-scorer (eight goals) and highest scorer all-around (14 points in 12 games), so missing him is going to dramatically impact the B's ability to generate offense.

“He’s out tonight,” said Cassidy. “I don’t think [it’s a long-term injury], but I’ve thought that with a few other guys. So I don’t want to speculate anymore. It seems like they’re coming fast and furious, the injuries, and we’ll have an update. Hopefully it’s not long term.

“He got hit early and he got bumped by Carlson later, so he had a couple of bumps along the way. He was able to finish the game, so that’s the encouraging part.”

The good news was that Ryan Spooner (groin) has begun skating on his own and Acciari joined the B’s in practice in a no-contact jersey, but they are both obviously some time away from returning to the lineup.