BOSTON -- Bruins forward Brad Marchand missed Thursday's morning skate as the team prepared to open its second-round playoff series against the Montreal Canadiens at TD Garden.
Bruins coach Claude Julien would not elaborate on the reason for his absence, saying only that Marchand "took his option." Marchand missed practice Tuesday but returned Wednesday and spoke with the media after practice.
Because Marchand was absent Thursday, Daniel Paille skated with Patrice Bergeron and Reilly Smith. Fellow forward Jordan Caron was on the fourth line with Gregory Campbell and Shawn Thornton.
Julien said that Paille, who has been out since April 12 with a head injury, will be a game-time decision. Paille said he's ready to return to game action.
"I feel really good, actually," Paille said after the morning skate. "I feel really good out there when I'm skating and feel like I have no issues. For not playing in a while, I have a lot of adrenaline, and hopefully I get to play in the lineup and use that tonight."