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Boston Bruins: Brad Marchand Playing For IIHF Gold

By Andrew Thompson

Apr 7, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins left wing Brad Marchand (63) is congratulated by his teammates on the bench after scoring a goal during the first period against the Detroit Red Wings at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins left wing Brad Marchand (63) is congratulated by his teammates on the bench after scoring a goal during the first period against the Detroit Red Wings at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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Brad Marchand and Team Canada edged out Frank Vatrano and Team USA today in the IIHF semi-final match in St. Petersburg, Russia. Now the Boston Bruins forward will be taking on Team Finland for the gold. (Vatrano and the rest of Team USA will be taking on the hometown Russians for the bronze.)

Marchand (who has been wearing a pair of former teammate Milan Lucic‘s gloves throughout the tournament) had been considered one of Team Canada’s best players at this year’s event. He’s been a solid top-six forward for Team Canada, and had battled through a minor injury to be one of their dominant players.

There’s Marchand making it look easy. That goal gave Canada a 2-0 lead near the end of the first period. It was a great score by Marchand, and an outstanding play made by him and Canadian defenseman Cody Ceci.

Boston’s Little Ball of Hate has been a solid contributor in the nine games he’s played. He has six points (four goals). He’s also put in a short-handed tally for Team Canada, being one of only two Canadian players to do that this tournament (the other being Ryan O’Reilly.) He’s also a +7 with 17 shots on goal.

Marchand has shown his skill level in international competition. He’s also radically improved his game. He was the Bruins leading scorer last year with 37 goals. He’s also cut down(for the most part)on the stupid penalties that hurt him and the Bruins. He’s been a credible leader off the ice as well for Boston.

It’s highly unlikely that the Boston Bruins (with their limited cap space) will re-sign veteran Chris Kelly next season, Brad Marchand is the odds on favorite to inherit that ‘A’. (Now all he has to do is not get suspended on his first game wearing it….again.) He’s earned it, and he’s ready to do even more for the Black and Gold next season.

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