Boston Bruins 3 Stars of First Round
Second Star: Brad Marchand – Left Wing
During the regular season, Brad Marchand was the best forward, and overall skater, for the B’s. In 53 games this season, Marchy put up 29 goals and 40 assists for 69 points. His 29 goals this season surpassed his 28 from last season, even though he played 17 less games this year.
Marchand, like most of Boston, started off the series slow. He struggled in Game 1 as he looked like he was trying to do too much and consistently turned over the puck trying to make a highlight-reel play instead of the smart and easy play.
However, Marchand quickly turned it around as he, and his linemates, played much better in Game 2 and continued their strong play throughout the rest of the series.
After going pointless in the first game of the series, Marchand would scores at least one goal in the next three games (Games 2 to 4), helping his team take a commanding 3-1 lead over the Caps.
At the end of the series, Marchand finished with three goals, including the overtime game-winner in Game 2, the game-tying goal on the powerplay to force overtime in Game 3, and the opening goal on the powerplay in Game 4.
All three of Marchy’s goals this series were huge and served a purpose. One won the game, one tied the game, and one set the tone and took the lead. Without Marchand, the Black and Gold could very well be in the Caps’ position and out of the playoffs instead of being one step closer to the Stanley Cup.