Bruins’ Joe Sacco offers vague answer to why Brad Marchand didn’t play in overtime

The Boston Bruins lost the lead in the final seconds of regulation. Then they lost the game in a shootout and their playoff spot to the Ottawa Senators.

Oddly enough, Bruins captain Brad Marchand never saw the ice during overtime or the shootout. Interim head coach Joe Sacco told reporters in Ottawa that Marchand was not injured. it was the coach’s decision to ensure that the team’s second highest scorer did not register any changes in the extra session.

Marchand had just one shot on goal and two freebies in 19:20 of ice time in the Bruins’ loss. He looked tired throughout the sequence. In the final moments of the third period, Marchand didn’t play his usual game as the Bruins tried to contain the Senators, who were desperate to equalize.

With its goaltender replaced by an extra attacker, Ottawa scored two goals in the final 3:01 of regulation time to knot the game 5-5.

“We didn’t execute well enough under pressure when they were six-on-five,” Sacco said, according to video provided by the team. “We had an opportunity below the goal line there, on the fourth goal, I think it was, and we couldn’t take it. We had a breakdown in our coverage in the slot.

“We had a chance to make it 6-3, but we didn’t put it in the back of the net at the other end, so we just have to be better to defend that lead at six against five . I don’t really know what else to say. I mean, we can’t give up on niche opportunities like that. I give them credit. They were hungry, but we have to do a better job. We have to make sure we get the puck out of our zone.

A common theme over the last three games, the Bruins have been outshot 44-28. Jeremy Swayman made 39 saves, including three important saves in overtime.

“He gave us a chance to win again,” Sacco said. “Everything you can ask of your goalie, and he’s done it again. We have to reduce some scoring chances to help him.

The Bruins and Senators will meet for the third time this season Thursday night in Boston. Ottawa beat Boston in overtime on November 9 at TD Garden.