The Boston Bruins will again be without their leading scorer Brad Marchand after the team announced Tuesday he has been placed in the COVID-19 protocol.
This news comes just a short while after the Bruins announced that right winger Craig Smith had been placed in the COVID protocol. Marchand took part in the Bruins' morning skate Tuesday. Smith did not.
Losing Marchand is a huge blow to the Bruins. He scored in each of the Bruins' last two games -- road wins vs. the Oilers and Flames -- and leads the team in goals (11), assists (16) and points (27).
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Boston sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
Marchand recently missed three games due to a suspension from the NHL. The veteran left winger returned for the Dec. 8 matchup against the Vancouver Canucks.
The Bruins' most recent game was a 4-2 win over the Calgary Flames on Saturday night. The NHL on Monday postponed the Flames' next three games due to a team outbreak. The Flames currently have nine players in the COVID-19 protocol.
Boston's next game is Tuesday night versus the Vegas Golden Knights at TD Garden. Right now, playing this game as scheduled doesn't seem like a good idea, although neither the league nor the Bruins have announced any changes at this time.