Back in October, fans of the Boston Bruins were wondering who “Brain Marchant” or “Marshmont” was. There were daily calls to 98.5 The Sports Hub either declaring the rookie was going to be a star or belly-aching about why “Marshmont” was even on the team. Sports Hub host Michael Felger did not understand the Brad Marchand phenomenon then, and declared that if Marchand was playing a major role on the Bruins this season, they were in trouble.
Eight months later, Marchand is a cult hero in Boston.
Marchand, who established himself as an agitator, clutch performer, and tough-nosed guy in the regular season, elevated his game even more in the postseason. Marchnd was second on the Bruins with 11 goals, and his 19 total points out him third behind David Krejci and Patrice Bergeron. He was at his best in Game 7, as he scored two goals and assisted on Bergeron’s first goal that gave the Bruins an early lead.
More importantly, Marchand provided a fire for his teammates. He was fearless on the ice, and did what needed to be done to get a win. He even used Daniel Sedin’s head as a punching bag for a few pops during Game 6, endearing him to Boston fans and making him public enemy No. 1 at the Rogers Center.
Marchand was booed lustily at the start of Game 7. His reaction? Set up Bergeron for a goal, throw a couple good hits, and make a great move out of the corner to hit a pipe. Later, he scored Boston’s second goal on a wraparound and iced the game with an empty-net goal in the final minute.
Marchand said during the Tampa Bay series that he preferred not to be called “Marshmont.” At this point, he does not have any choice. No matter what the rest of his career holds for him, Brad Marchand will forever be affectionately known in Boston as “Marshmont.” Seeing that his heroics now rank up their with Carlton Fisk, Bernie Carbo, Derek Sanderson, Johnny Damon, Adam Vinatieri, Tom Brady, and others, that’s a small price to pay.