Although he was present at the start of practice, Brad Marchand was not seen back after Jim Montgomery pulled him off halfway through.

Reasoning Revealed

The Bruins returned to the ice on Saturday morning, and there was team decision to hold a ‘'hard'' pre-playoff practice, with the wiley vet Marchand wanted to give it a go through some minor discomfort.

However, Montgomery wasn't having any of it, as he told reporters after:

''Marchy wanted to give it a try today. He had a little bit of soreness, so I said, ‘Get off the ice.' ''

Just like with captain Patrice Bergeron, Montgomery and his staff are being extra cautious with the postseason starting on Monday night.

There's also no need to worry as the winger was a full participant in Sunday's morning skate. He was in good spirits too, as in classic Marchand style, says he was fine ''other than being old.''