Brad Marchand knows there will be “consequences” if the Boston Bruins miss the playoffs.
“This is a team where we’re expected to win every year. It’s been that way for a while. There’s a lot of pressure on this group,” Marchand said, per CSN New England. “But with that comes pressure that you need to live up to it, and if not you’re forced to deal with the consequences.
“We understand that this is a big situation. If we don’t pull together then this is going to be a much different group next year, I’m sure. I don’t think anybody wants that. Hopefully we realize that, come together and allow this group to stay together.”
It’s an interesting comment, since much of the “consequences” talk during this frustrating Bruins season has focused on the futures of coach Claude Julien and GM Peter Chiarelli.
The Bruins have a handful of pending unrestricted free agents, including three members of the 2010-11 Stanley Cup champion roster, Daniel Paille, Gregory Campbell, and Adam McQuaid. All three veterans have had their struggles this season.
It’s even been speculated that Milan Lucic, under contract for one more season before he can become unrestricted, could be traded.