Boston Bruins: 3 Stars of the Week

2. Brad Marchand

Marchand played a role in the Bruins’ offense out break against the Flyers. After being kept off the scoresheet by Varlamov, who stopped all five of his shots Marchand’s chances Monday night, he unleashed his frustration at home on Hart.

Thursday night, Marchand set up Brandon Carlo for the go-ahead goal in the third period to give the Bruins a 4-3 lead. Marchand was held to two shots on net, but he spent 3:48 killing penalties and limiting Philadelphia to just two goals on five power play opportunities.

Saturday night, he scored two goals, assisted on one of Bergeron’s third-period power play goal and had five shots on net. His time-on-ice was down to 16:49 in the game Saturday night on 20 shifts and he was on the ice for just 44 seconds of the four minutes the Bruins were shorthanded.

He spent much of the night on the power play, as he had a 2:36 time-on-ice on the man advantage, but he had a hand in all three of the power play goals scored on Hart in four chances. Aside from his production, Marchy was his usual pest and frustrated the Flyers in both games.

3. Nick Ritchie

Hard to believe it, but one of the best Bruins early in the season has been Ritchie. On Monday, he recorded a team-high six shots on net against Varlamov on Long Island, but like his teammates, he was not able to solve the Russian-born goalie.

Thursday night, Ritchie scored his second power play goal of the season when he stuffed home a pass from Patrice Bergeron in the third period by Hart to tie the game at 3-3. Saturday night, Ritchie added two assists, one on Bergeron’s first-period power play goal and then on a third-period power play marker from Marchand.

After struggling big time in his time with the Bruins following last season’s trade with the Anaheim Ducks both in the regular season and in the playoffs, Ritchie has been a pleasant surprise early on this season.