Brad Marchand off To an Impressive Start
After a slow start to the season, the Boston Bruins have been nearly unbeatable as of late. The Bruins sit tied atop the East Divison and are winners of three straight. Although the Bruins have received contributions from everyone, Brad Marchand has fueled Boston’s success.
Over the past two years, Marchand has only been able to perform at 80%. Now fully healthy following offseason surgery for a sports hernia, he has held nothing back in 2021. Through 11 games, Marchand has seven goals and eight assists. The Bruins winger leads the team in goals and is tied with Patrice Bergeron for the team lead in points. As the Bruins have battled injuries thus far, Marchand has been an offensive spark.
Additionally, Marchand has dominated on special teams. The 32-year-old has seven power play points and two shorthanded goals. Last year, Marchand finished with three shorthanded points. Throughout his career, Marchand has excelled on the penalty kill, which has continued into 2021.
While Marchand has excelled on special teams, he has recorded at least a point in all but one game so far this season. The only game Marchand was held pointless came on Jan. 18 in a 1-0 loss to the New York Islanders.
Although some of the Bruins forwards are off to slow starts, Marchand is already in midseason form. He has a shooting percentage of 21.9% which is good for third among NHL players who have attempted at least 30 shots. Despite the decrease in shooting percentage since David Pastrnak returned to the lineup, the Bruins’ first line has continued to remind people why they are among the best in the league.
Just like in years past, Marchand has also come through in clutch moments. The Halifax native scored the winning shootout goal to secure the Bruins’ first victory of the season.
Regardless of the situation, Marchand has risen to the occasion in 2021.
For the Bruins, Marchand's impressive start has been a welcoming sign. Even at 80%, Marchand recorded 187 points the past two seasons - fifth-most in the NHL. Although the 2020-21 season is slated for only 56 games, Marchand is currently on pace for over 75 points.
If he can stay healthy, Marchand has a chance to be in the Hart Trophy conversation at the end of the year. No matter how the rest of the season unfolds, Marchand has been one of hockey's best in the early going.