Bruins Marchand:'We Have A Great Team'
BOSTON (CBS) - The way Bruins winger Brad Marchand has been playing this season, it is hard to believe it took him 29 games to score his first career goal.
Especially since he has 14 goals in his last 29 games, and is third on the team with 19 this season.
A lot changed for the rookie after playing 20 games in 2010. He fought hard to earn his spot on the team during the preseason, and beginning the season in Boston rather than Providence has made a world of difference.
"You get a lot of confidence and it grows from there," Marchand told Steve Burton Sunday night on WBZ-TV's Sports Final. "You just kind of have the confidence they want you on the team to start the season. A lot of the guys brought me along well."
Brad Marchand Stops By Sports Final To Talk About His Season
Starting on the fourth line, Marchand received guidance from center Gregory Campbell and defenseman Shawn Thornton. The guidance from Thornton should explain why the 5-9 Marchand is never afraid to stick up for a teammate.
"They really groomed me the first 30 games I played with them," the 22-year-old said of Thornton and Campbell. "A lot of what has happened this year is because of how we played together. Then I moved up with (Patrice Bergeron) and (Mark Recchi) and we kind of went from there. We clicked and have been played good together. Between those four guys, they really helped me."
Marchand has become a fan favorite in Boston, from his fiery persona and hard-nosed play on the ice to his eligibility off it. His notoriety grew after he was named one of the most eligible singles in Boston by the Improper Bostonian.
"It's been fun, the whole situation with that bachelor shoot. It's always fun to meet new people."
Despite the wishes of his fans, Marchand says he will not start a Twitter account.
"(Steven) Kampfer and (Tyler) Seguin both have it, and the guys give them so much grief over it. I can't do it to myself."
Marchand Answers Fan Questions On Sports Final
The Bruins find themselves in second place in the Eastern Conference with just 17 games remaining, just two points behind the Philadelphia Flyers for the top spot. Playoff hopes are high for a team looking to end a 39-year Stanley Cup drought, and the 2011 Bruins have brought excitement back to the city that felt so disappointed after a 2010 playoff collapse.
"We have a great team and a lot of great players," Marchand said. "We really connect so well on and off the ice, no one's out of the loop. I think it really builds a lot of chemistry on and off the ice. Only time will tell but we have a great team right now."
