Brad Marchand's Current Slump Could Be Concerning

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Dorin Canaday
April 4, 2023 (11:16)

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Brad Marchand has been a focal point for the Bruins, and despite team success this season, the veteran is currently mired in one of the biggest slumps of his career.

There's no doubt that the 34-year-old has been a crucial factor to Boston's success; however, should we be worried about Marchand's drought this close to the postseason?

Should We Be Worried?

As WEEI's Scott McLaughlin recently indicated to, it has been a while since the Bruins' assistant captain has experienced a dry spell as such.

''For Marchand, it's been a long time since he's experienced a goal drought that was this long -- dating back eight years. The current slump is his longest goal-scoring drought since he had a 15-game goal drought in 2015 at the same point late in the season.''

Marchand's last goal came on March 9th, when he opened the scoring against the Edmonton Oilers at TD Garden. It's been even longer since 63 has converted on the man advantage, too, as his last power play goal was January 19th (32 games).

During his 13-game goalless drought, the Bruins winger has recorded 8 assists, so he is still contributing offensively, just not a rate we're used to.

What Will Help Fix Marchand's Slump?

Obviously, Boston needs Marchand to contribute come playoff time, so what needs to be done for that to happen? Does Jim Montgomery rest the veteran with only five games remaining in the regular season? Or, is it best for him to figure it out himself and play through it?

As McLaughlin also eluded to, history says that Marchand will be just fine once the postseason comes around:

''Marchand has been the Bruins' leading playoff goal scorer in each of the team's last four seasons. He has scored in more than half of the playoff games he's been in over the past three seasons (scoring in 57.1% of games played).

Last year, he led the Bruins in playoff goals (4), assists (7) and points (11) through the team's seven-game series with the Carolina Hurricanes.''

Despite the slump, Marchand has still put up an impressive season for Boston. After undergoing double-hip surgery this past off-season, he has still recorded 20 goals and 43 assists in 68 games.