By: Chad Jones I Follow me on Twitter/X @ShutUpChadJones
On Wednesday night, the Boston Bruins defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 4-2 to improve their record to 14-11-3. In eight games running the ship behind Boston’s bench, Joe Sacco sports a 6-2 record. Jeremy Swayman was solid between the pipes, stopping 20 of 22 Chicago’s shots and stymieing the Blackhawks on their two power play opportunities. Morgan Geekie put together one of his best games of the season by beating Petr Mrazek twice for goals. After corralling just four points in his first 18 games, the forward has contributed three scores and one helper during his last five games.
But this contest was all about the Bruins captain. Forever the showman, Brad Marchand ensured the spotlight was on him before he even took the ice for warmups. His history of chirping TNT commentator Paul Bissonnette has been warming up lately. He also spoke to the former NHL enforcer before Boston took on Chicago for their nationally televised contest.
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Once the puck was dropped, number 63 was all business. The score was knotted up at one aside early on in the second period. Mason Lohrei found David Pastrnak with some space to operate on the left faceoff circle. The Bruins winger then delivered a perfect pass through the slot to Marchand, who the Blackhawks lost in their coverage, inexplicably. Marchand’s quick release was too much for Mrazek to handle, as the netminder could not slide over and make the save.
The inaugural Mr. TNT Award winner was not done showing off in the primetime slot. Later in the second period, Marchand again found himself on the ice with number 88. Jordan Oesterle made a strong play along the boards to keep the puck alive for Pastrnak, who forced Mrazek to make a key stop on a high-danger scoring chance in the slot. But the Bruins captain immediately hopped on the juicy rebound. Marchand buried his back-handed attempt to give the Bruins some insurance and secure the eventual game-winning goal. It was the fourth time Marchand has been credited with the game-winning tally this season.
“The first two periods, we were good,” Marchand told the media postgame. “This time of year, with the travel and the schedule with that back to back, we are definitely very happy with the win and getting those points. We have to continue to climb in the standings, and every point matters. So, huge, huge win for us tonight, one where we can continue to build on.”
Through 28 games, Marchand has been a solid offensive contributor for Boston. An even ten lamp lighters and ten apples combine to make up his 20 points. His assists should increase as his chemistry with Elias Lindholm continues to strengthen. His shot seems stronger this season after his litany of off-season surgeries, most notably with the work done on his elbow.
While he may no longer be the elite over-point-per-game scorer, Marchand remains a critical cog in Boston’s offensive attack. At 36 years old, the winger’s skill set, competitive fight, and flair for the dramatic are as prominent as ever.
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