Yesterday, Brad Marchand delivered a standout performance, scoring two goals in his team’s triumph over the Toronto Maple Leafs, leading the Boston Bruins to a 4-2 win.
However, there’s a deeper aspect to Brad Marchand’s impact on the game.
Those who watched the match understand how effectively he disrupted the Maple Leafs players’ focus. This piece is dedicated to Tyler Bertuzzi, his former teammate in Boston.
Marchand’s presence lingered in his opponents’ minds throughout the game, a fact recognized by all.
Following the game, Sheldon Keefe commented on Marchand’s unparalleled ability to draw penalties from his opponents:
“It’s remarkable. I don’t think any other player can manipulate situations like that. It’s a skill, and he’s perfected it.”
Marchand, known for his relentless drive to win, played a pivotal role in his team’s victory.
While he’s not the sole player deserving of praise, as hockey is a team effort, and credit also goes to Jim Montgomery for making the right goaltending decision, Marchand’s leadership and impact on the game are undeniable.
However, it’s not just the Maple Leafs who feel the impact of Marchand’s play and the energy he drains from their team; Toronto fans are affected too.
Traditionally, the Toronto crowd isn’t known for being the loudest in the NHL, largely due to ticket prices that make attending games inaccessible for many passionate fans, especially during the playoffs.
Yet, during yesterday’s game, something shifted. The crowd noise reached a level where even Joe Bowen, the long-standing voice of the Maple Leafs, urged fans in the arena to raise the decibels further to provide a tangible advantage on the ice.
The concept of attending a sporting event to actively support the home team is fundamental. It’s about providing energy when it’s needed, rather than passively waiting for something to react to. Bowen’s disappointment with the crowd’s lack of enthusiasm was evident.
While it’s somewhat unusual to suggest that Marchand silenced the crowd, as it’s primarily ticket prices that contribute to the silence, there’s a sense that if the Maple Leafs had performed better, the atmosphere would have been livelier.
Will things change for game #4? That may hinge on the performance of the Bruins’ goaltender.