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Boston Bruins: Marchand continues to lead without Bergeron

By Dan Luise

BOSTON - FEBRUARY 27: Boston Bruins left wing Brad Marchand (63) starts the celebration with Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy (73), who scored the game-winning goal in overtime for the 4-3 win over the Carolina Hurricanes. The Boston Bruins host the Carolina Hurricanes in a regular season NHL hockey game at TD Garden in Boston on Feb. 27, 2018. (Photo by Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
BOSTON - FEBRUARY 27: Boston Bruins left wing Brad Marchand (63) starts the celebration with Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy (73), who scored the game-winning goal in overtime for the 4-3 win over the Carolina Hurricanes. The Boston Bruins host the Carolina Hurricanes in a regular season NHL hockey game at TD Garden in Boston on Feb. 27, 2018. (Photo by Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) /
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The Boston Bruins have now won five in a row, all without Patrice Bergeron. In his absence, Brad Marchand has stepped up in a big way.

On February 24th, Patrice Bergeron took a puck to the foot area in the Boston Bruins’ 4-3 loss to Toronto. He attempted to play through the injury the next day against Buffalo. However, after that weekend the Bruins announced Bergeron will be out at least two weeks. Right as Boston enters a tough month of March, they would be without one of their best players and leaders on the team. Almost two weeks later now, and Brad Marchand continues to lead the Boston Bruins without Bergeron.

Boston Bruins
BOSTON, MA – MARCH 8: David Pastrnak /

The Boston Bruins have now won five in a row. In a very strong homestand over the past week and a half, they have risen to the occasion, night in and night out. Most times, later in the game than many fans would like. But, two points are two points.

The player leading the way through all five games? Brad Marchand. In his last five, he has nine points (five goals, four assists). Three of those goals are game-winners. Two of those game-winners came in overtime, while the other in the last minute of regulation. Carolina was the only game of these last five that he did not record a point. There is no doubt he is having one of his best seasons, yet again.

There are some “Marchand-haters” that believe he is not as good without Bergeron. Well, he has definitely proved them wrong the past couple weeks. These five wins have come at a great time. Especially, when Bergeron is not the only key player the Bruins are missing at the moment, having also lost Charlie McAvoy to injury and David Backes to suspension.

Of course, he wouldn’t be the star player that he is without some sort of backlash from the league. I’m sure the fine for “embellishment” will not slow down his scoring in today’s game.

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As they prepare for a home-and-home with Chicago this weekend, Marchand will continue to have to lead. The Boston Bruins are heading into a very tough stretch to end the season. Marchand’s skill, determination, and effort have helped them get to this point. But, it will be a full team effort in this push to the playoffs.

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