For the first time in his distinguished 16 NHL seasons, Boston captain Brad Marchand might actually hear some cheers Wednesday night when he touches the puck at the Bell Centre.
Marchand, the pesky Bruins forward, is annoying, but plays with grit and determination. He has been a thorn in the Canadiens’ side over the years. But now, as a member of Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, those jeers could turn to cheers Wednesday, when he and his teammates play their first game against Sweden (8 p.m., SN, TVA Sports).
Marchand, despite his allegiance to the Bruins — the only NHL team for which he has played — could hear some braying next week, when the tournament shifts to Boston’s TD Garden and spectators are pulling for the Americans.
“I’m sure after (Saturday’s game against the U.S.) it’ll be the last time I hear cheers,” Marchand quipped following Monday’s practice at the CN Sports Complex in Brossard. “I could still get booed here. And I love playing in Boston. I’ll be comfortable in the city and the building, although it’ll be different being on a team they won’t be cheering for. It’ll be interesting.
“What am I doing here? I don’t take for granted an opportunity like this when you walk into the room and see some of the best players that’ll play this sport. You’re sitting here and get to watch. It truly is an honour. I’m trying to embrace and enjoy every moment.
“I’ll get a million autographs and put them on eBay,” Marchand added, while laughing heartily. “This is an incredible opportunity.”
While there’s some youth on the Canadian squad, there’s also veteran leadership. Captain Sidney Crosby is 37. Marchand is 36, while Los Angeles defenceman Drew Doughty is 35.
“The older you get, the longer you’re around, you realize how fortunate you are to be a part of one — if not more than that,” Marchand said. “You want to embrace it.”
Although only 5-foot-9 and 180 pounds, Marchand is no stranger to international competition.
He played with Crosby and former Boston teammate Patrice Bergeron at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, leading the tournament with five goals and eight points — including the game-winner with 44 seconds remaining in the final against Team Europe.
That competition invigorated Marchand, who went on to record four consecutive seasons of at least 84 points, including 100 in 2018-19, when Boston reached the Stanley Cup final for the third time in his career.
He has accomplished virtually everything, winning a Cup and having played more than 1,000 games. He’s 27 points from 1,000, has taken more than 1,110 penalty minutes, and with 20 goals and 44 points in 57 games this season, Marchand has reached the 20-goal plateau for the 14th time, including 12 consecutive campaigns.
At his age, there’s no guarantee Marchand will represent Canada at next year’s Milano-Cortina Olympics, so will make the most of this moment.
“It’s incredible to see the talent of players, from Sid all the way down,” he said. “The biggest thing you see is the competitiveness; how willing everyone is to do whatever it takes to get to the next level. There’s a reason why every guy is in the room. What separates most of them is their compete level, the dedication that guys have to their game. There’s a reason why they’re the best. It’s not by accident that you’re talented. It’s (also) because of their work ethic.”
Marchand and his teammates vow they’re approaching this tournament seriously and will play the games with tenacity. They won’t merely be out for a skate, as has been evident recently during high-scoring NHL All-Star Games. What remains to be determined is the level of physicality, knowing NHL regular-season games resume next weekend. Coaches, general managers and team owners could well be holding their collective breath.
“Obviously, an all-star game is more for enjoyment,” said Toronto forward Mitch Marner. “I don’t think this will be like that on the ice. It’s going to be more competitive and guys are going to want to win.
“This hasn’t happened for a long time. It’s great to have it back and everyone’s excited. We’ll try to figure out what our game plan is going forward.”
Marner admitted building team chemistry in a short period of time could prove difficult, stating communication will be paramount.
“We have to communicate through the three zones and try to figure out where we are,” said Marner, who has been practising with Edmonton’s Connor McDavid and Florida’s Sam Reinhart. “Try to keep the puck moving as fast as you can.
“Those are two guys that can make a lot of plays out there and do a lot of things with the puck. For me, it’s about trying to get them the puck and time in space. Find them in the right areas to score.”