Marchand Says Dowd’s High Stick Broke His Nose In Bruins-Capitals Game

Brad Marchand confirmed to the media that he did break his nose after taking a high stick from Nic Dowd early on in the Washington Capitals’ Monday tilt with the Boston Bruins.

Toward the end of the first period, Washington fell prey to a number of penalties. One of those calls was a double minor for high sticking on Dowd, who clipped Marchand accidentally. No. 63 fell behind the net and was bleeding profusely.

Marchand spoke with the Boston media on Wednesday, sharing that it took around “five or six stitches” to repair the gash. He also broke his nose on the unintentional play.

“I’m just happy it wasn’t my teeth. I don’t think it was intentional by any means, but he got me pretty good,” Marchand said, adding, “Yeah, I can deal with a broken nose, and I’m just glad it wasn’t my beautiful teeth.”

Marchand struck twice in the Bruins’ dominant 7-3 victory over Washington that saw the B’s score six straight goals in the second period alone.

“I mean, he’s probably had a ton of games with two goals where he didn’t get hit in the face,” Capitals defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk said of Marchand. “I think he brings it most nights and that’s why he’s such a good player. He plays hard and yeah, he’s tough. When you give him opportunities, he’s going to take advantage.”

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Dowd said postgame that the numerous calls may have contributed to the change in tempo, as Washington was trailing 2-0 before the Bruins’ numerous power-play opportunities.

“I think honestly for the first time up until we took our first penalty, then I took a double minor, then I think they made a soft call on [John] Carlson there, that happens 100 times a game… it’s 2-2 at that point, and then I just think we got stretched out.”

After the Monday loss, Washington was right back at it for practice the following day. The Capitals worked on a number of drills, including work on special teams, 3-on-3 and coverage and connection up and down the ice. Despite the serious, “grumpy” climate, Washington believes it was a productive 70-minute skate that is a good starting point with the team looking to snap a four-game losing skid when they return to action on Saturday in New York.

“I think everybody hates losing. I mean, the players hate losing, so I don’t think anybody’s in a great mood today,” head coach Peter Laviolette said Monday. “But we had work to do, and I thought it was good.”

“I think it should be that way. Like I said, that shouldn’t happen to us on home ice like it did last game,” Eller added with regard to the practice. “Left with a feeling you don’t often leave with. Probably a lot of guys felt that way. Therefore, guys’ competitive natures show up sometimes in practice the next day. Compete level should be high and it was today.”