Bruins’ Brad Marchand breaks silence on Sam Bennett’s Game 3 punch

Brad Marchand hasn’t played a minute of hockey for the Boston Bruins since taking a questionable hit from Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett back in Game 3 of the Atlantic Division rivals’ Eastern Conference second-round series.

Ahead of another do-or-die contest in Game 6 — the B’s were able to keep the series alive with a tight 2-1 victory in Game 5 — the Bruins captain could be an option as Boston looks to force a Game 7 back at Amerant Bank Arena this weekend.

And Marchand shared an eye-opening take on Bennett’s antics after practice on Thursday.

“People don’t want to say it, but part of playoffs is trying to hurt every player on the other team,” said the veteran, per Boston.com’s Conor Ryan. “The more guys you take out, the more advantage your team has. … Every time you step on the ice, someone is trying to hurt someone.”

He added: “I think he got away with a shot. But I’m not gonna complain. S**t happens. … I’ve been on the other side of a lot of plays. That’s part of the game, part of playoff hockey. Sucks to be on the other side of it, but that stuff happens. If you don’t like it? Don’t play in the playoffs. If I have to get hurt to win? If I have to hurt someone to win? I don’t care. That’s part of it. And I’m not going to complain because if I’m him, I’m doing the same thing.”

Spoken in true Marchand-like fashion, and it does look one of the team’s best forwards could return for another elimination game.

“Hopefully. Just going through the steps,” the captain said when asked about possibly suiting up for Game 6. “We’ll see how tomorrow goes, but hopefully. It’s very tough to watch this time of year. It was great to get back out there and be around the energy and emotion.”

The Bruins are still alive, and it looks like they could have their captain back as they try to force a decider.