In a game the Bruins needed a win after giving up a two-goal lead in the third period against the Senators, interim coach Joe Sacco elected to bench Brad Marchand in overtime.
Sacco said it was a coach’s decision despite the fact Marchand’s 21 overtime goals are the most in Bruins history and third among active players.
Marchand addressed the situation after Sunday’s practice.
“He’s going to make decisions based on how he feels each guy is playing each night. I get it. It’s on me to be better,” Marchand said, adding that his game details weren’t good enough.
“A game like that they need to be spot on. Overtime is a big opportunity and you gotta earn that right,” he added. “It’s part of the game.”
The Bruins ended up losing 6-5 in a shootout to Ottawa. The loss bumped them from a Wild Card spot, but remain in the hunt with 35 games left in the regular season.
Marchand turns 37 in May and is a pending unrestricted free agent. Both the captain and front office have expressed interest in a new contract, with general manager Don Sweeney saying he wants to make Marchand a “Bruin for life.”
This isn’t the first time Marchand has been at the forefront of discussion. Earlier this season, then-coach Jim Montgomery was seen yelling at Marchand on the bench and even gave him a little shove. The captain agreed with how Montgomery handled it and downplayed the incident.
Now the Bruins must put the Marchand benching and the loss behind them as they prepare to welcome the San Jose Sharks to TD Garden for a Monday matinee.
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