Boston Bruins star Brad Marchand returning from injury Thursday a month ahead of schedule

BOSTON — Star forward Brad Marchand will return to action about a month ahead of schedule when the Boston Bruins host the Detroit Red Wings at TD Garden on Thursday night.

Marchand, 34, underwent surgery on both of his hips back in May. He was expected to be sidelined until at least Thanksgiving, but the prolific goal scorer said he responded positively during his rehab process, despite the six-month timetable he was given for returning.

“We had this date circled on the calendar months ago. We wanted to keep it close. There are a lot of different variables,” Marchand told reporters. “I responded really well...I’ve got to give a ton of credit to the training staff. They did a phenomenal job.”

Marchand’s return coincides with an early-season surge that has helped the Bruins jump out to a 6-1 record, which is good for best in the National Hockey League.

Head Coach Jim Montgomery confirmed Marchand’s return, simply saying, “No. 63 is going to play tonight.”

Marchand will not play Friday night in Columbus because the team doesn’t want him playing on back-to-back nights just yet, according to Montgomery.

The Bruins don’t have another set of back-to-back games until December.

In 72 regular season games last season, Marchand tallied 32 goals and added 48 assists.

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