Sam Bennett entered public enemy territory after sucker-punching Brad Marchand early into Game 3. By the third period of Game 4, the Panthers forward cemented his status as the series villain — overtaking Matthew Tkachuk — after shoving Charlie Coyle into Jeremy Swayman to tie things up at 2-2.
The Bruins didn’t have Marchand available for Games 4 or 5 as he healed from an upper-body injury. With their season on the line Tuesday night, Marchand’s teammates rallied to extend their second-round series and give their captain a chance to return to the lineup.
An extra day off between games provided Marchand an extended opportunity for recovery.