The Boston Bruins will face the Toronto Maple Leafs tonight. Their intense rivalry makes it always a treat when these two Original Six clubs face off.
Brad Marchand has been a significant part of the rivalry, as he was a part of all four of the Bruins’ playoff series wins against the Maple Leafs since 2013. He also often plays some of his best hockey against the Leafs and ups his physicality in the process.
While Marchand and the Leafs have a rough history, he had some kind words for the Bruins’ top rival while speaking to reporters, including the Toronto Sun’s Terry Koshan, ahead of tonight’s matchup.
“They’re an extremely good team this year,” Marchand said. “They’ve been building for a while now and have really figured out the right way to play—the way they stick up for each other and compete for each other. They’re a different brand of hockey right now.”
Marchand’s compliment about the Leafs comes with them currently being at the top of the Atlantic Division standings with a 24-13-2 record and 50 points. They also have not shown many signs of slowing down, winning each of their last two games and six out of their previous 10 games.
While Marchand and the Bruins have a heated history, he clearly sees they are a good team. Let’s see if the Bruins can defeat the Leafs on the road from here.
