Rise Of The Squirrel: The Story Of Brad Marchand
BOSTON (CBS) – Brad Marchand has been called a lot of things this season.
98.5 The Sports Hub listeners often refer to the Bruins forward as "Marshmont." Opposing teams have other names for him that cannot go in print.
"A little spitfire who doesn't know the meaning of the word quit," Marchand read off a scouting report from HockeysFurture.com he was given by WBZ-TV's Steve Burton. "An agitator in the corners who likes to get his nose dirty and battle for the pucks."
Seems about right so far.
"Occasionally gets himself into trouble when trying to get too fancy when a safe play would do… That doesn't sound like me," he joked. "I think a Canadiens player wrote this."
Marchand Goes Over His Scouting Report
Marchand has once again silenced the critics that said he would never make it in the game of hockey. He admitted to Burton he has a chip on his shoulder, one that he's carried throughout his years on the ice.
"Every level I got to everyone was saying I was too small," the 5-9 Marchand said. "I always had to continue to prove myself."
Read: Bruins-Lightning Eastern Conference Finals Schedule
Now he finds himself a major contributor to a team just eight wins from a Stanley Cup.
"We're feeling really good right now," he said of the Bruins heading into their Eastern Conference Finals against the Tampa Bay Lightning. "Having our fans behind us the first couple games will be a big advantage for us. We're going to do our best to use that to our advantage. We know our fans are going to give us the most emotion to use that in the game."
Marchand On His Pregame Ritual
It has been quite a year for Marchand, who scored 21 goals in first full season as a pro. He admits to being very superstitious, and follows the same pregame routine for every game. It actually starts the night before, when he eats penne with meat sauce at the same restuarant. On game days, he eats that same meal after going the morning skate. He heads home for some Call of Duty on X-Box, followed by MTV Jams and a nap.
Hip-hop and rap is not the music you normally hear in a hockey locker room, but Marchand tries to sneak in a few tracks every now and then.
"I'm trying to change the face of the game," he joked.
Listen: Gresh & Zo Talk With Lightning Reporter Mike Corcoran
Marchand admits to dreaming of the Bruins hoisting Lord Stanley's Cup for all of Boston to see, a thought that brings a huge smile to his face. It's a sight no one in Boston has seen since 1972.
"It was a long time before I was born," the 22-year-old said. "But you can feel it everywhere you go. Fans are showing unbelievable support. People told me the other day, 'win the Stanley cup and I can die happy.'"
In 11 games this postseason, Marchand has five goals and six assists and is plus-9 on the ice. He had a goal and assist in four games against the Lightning in the regular season, but he knows all that is moot once the puck drops on Saturday.
"They're a good team, every time we've played them this year it's been a battle," said Marchand. "We beat them three times, they beat us once. Playoff time, it's a different story. We have to make sure we're ready for them."
Marchand On Tampa, His Nickname
As for nicknames, here is another one to add to the list, right next to "Marshmont" and "Spitfire."
"The boys call me 'squirrel,'" he told Burton. "It started when I was in Providence. I was in an opposing rink and someone started yelling at me, calling me squirrel. Danny LaCouture continued calling me that and it stuck from there on."
"I like it, it's a little different."
Every game of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Bruins and Lightning can be heard on 98.5 The Sports Hub's with pregame coverage beginning 30 minutes before each game with the Dunkin Donuts Bruins Pregame show
