Brad Marchand struggles to fight back tears on emotional return to Boston Bruins

BRAD Marchand couldn’t control his emotions during his return to his former Boston Bruins squad.

The 37-year-old NHL star was tearful as his Florida Panthers came away with the 4-3 win on the road at TD Garden.

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Florida Panthers star Brad Marchand spotted crying while being recognized by his former team, the Boston Bruins, on Tuesday nightCredit: Getty

Panthers left wing Brad Marchand gestures to the crowd as Bruins honor their former captain at TD GardenCredit: Getty

On Tuesday night, Marchand returned to the Bruins’ arena, where he called home for 16 seasons.

During the first TV timeout of the first period, TD Garden gave Marchand a video tribute with some of his moments with the team.

After the video, the Boston crowd gave him a standing ovation as it was his first game back as a Bruins opponent.

Marchand then tapped his heart, wiped his face that was filled with tears, and waved at the fans.

Both teams banged their sticks against the ice as the referee and linesmen clapped for Marchand.

Once Marchand returned to the bench, he continued to cry.

“I knew it was going to hit me the way it did. It was extremely touching,” Marchand said after the game, per ESPN.

“The Bruins will always hold a very, very dear place in my heart.”

Marchand was part of the Bruins’ 2011 Stanley-Cup winning team.

He’s the only remaining member left from that squad.

Marchand was traded from the Bruins to the Panthers last season for a chance to win his second title.

He would help Florida claim its second straight Cup, while the Bruins were down in the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.

On Tuesday night, Marchand picked up two assists against his former team.

He actually got booed by the crowd when he drew a tripping penalty just 33 seconds into the game.

Marchand played 16 seasons with the Bruins where he won a Stanley Cup in 2011Credit: Getty

“I knew it wouldn’t take long,” a chuckling Marchand said.

Marchand recorded an assist early in the game before assisting on the goal that gave the Panthers a 3-2 lead.

The Bruins tied the contest before Carter Verhaeghe scored the game-winning goal with 27 seconds left.

Marchand will likely be inducted to the Hall of Fame as a Bruins as he posted 422 goals and 554 assists in Boston.

Panthers center Eetu Luostarinen celebrates his game-winning goal with his teammatesCredit: Getty

But for now, he is comfortable in playing for the title-contending Panthers.

“It was great to be able to spend some time here. But it is absolutely an opportunity to turn the page for everybody,” Marchand said.

“For them. For us. They’re onto new things.

“. … That’s how it works in this game.”

Florida is 4-4 to start the season while the Bruins, who have now lost five straight. will hope to turn things around as the season continues.