“It’s a special bond,” Brad Marchand hopes Boston’s playoff exit wasn’t last game for Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci

Brad Marchand blames himself for failed playoff season hoping this is not the last season he plays with Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci.

“It’s a special bond,” Brad Marchand hopes Boston’s playoff exit wasn’t last game for Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci

David Krejci, Brad Marchand, and Patrice Bergeron [Image Credit: Twitter/CBS News/Causeway Crowd]

Brad Marchand took the blame for the Boston Bruins’ devastating 3-4 loss against the Florida Panthers in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup playoff series. After setting NHL high records in wins (65) and points (135) during the regular season, the Bruins were the league favorite to win the Cup.

Unfortunately, they failed to capitalize on their competitor’s weakness leading to the horrible failure early in the playoff round. Fans blasted Jim Montgomery as the head coach deflected his responsibilities of roster change. 

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According to fans and injury reports Jeremy Swayman should’ve swapped with Linus Ullmark who was dealing with a painful injury. Fans are enraged that the coach didn’t make this crucial decision and forced an injured player to be out on the ice when a perfectly capable backup sat on the benches, as per Hockey Feed.

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Brad Marchand emotionally hugs Patrice Bergeron after Game 7 loss

Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron [Image Credit: MassLive]
Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron [Image Credit: MassLive]

Furthermore, Brad Marchand blamed himself saying he didn’t do enough to capitalize on the crucial moments. He stated that Bruins’ playoff loss will “stick with me forever” as he was seen wet-eyed as he hugged an emotional Patrice Bergeron after the game.

Marchand stated that the goal for the team was not to have an extraordinary regular season but to have the pass for the playoff and run for the Cup contention deeply. Unfortunately, they were rooted out by the underdog Panthers early in Game 1 of the season.

As Bergeron’s talk about retirement is coming up, Marchand hopes it really is not his last season. The ‘Rat’ hopes both Marchand and David Krejci will stick together for another run, but ultimately it’s “up to him to make his decision and do what he decides to do moving forward”.

Marchand stated that he was hoping “to make a good long run here, all together” but the Panthers buried that dream. He expressed that Bergeron is not only his teammate but also “one of my best friends”. “The friendship that we’ve built and the relationship we have has been special”. “It’s very emotional. You can’t stop time. The career goes by fast.”

Marchand praised Krejci as one of the best teammates he ever had and also a best friend both on and off the ice. “It’s been over a decade. It’s a special bond”, Marchand emotionally stated. As of now, Bergeron has not made any official statement on retirement plans. He’s been contemplating nonetheless.

Matthew Tkachuk said after Game 7, “The talent they have over there in Boston, the guys who have done it for years, their core is unbelievable“. He didn’t shy away from accepting that Boston is indeed a powerful team and he respects every player on that side.

“The fact that we were able to do what we did after what they’ve done all year, and obviously just so much respect for those guys who’ve done it forever, and the young players coming in. They’re an unreal team. The best I’ve played in my NHL career. So the fact that we were able to beat them in the playoffs is crazy.”

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