In the aftermath of Brad Marchand’s heroics in Game 3, propelling the Boston Bruins to a 4-2 victory and a 2-1 series edge over the Toronto Maple Leafs, Maple Leafs’ head coach Sheldon Keefe expressed his dissatisfaction with Marchand’s ability to avoid penalties.
Addressing reporters post-game, Keefe offered a backhanded compliment to Marchand, stating, “He gets calls. It’s unbelievable, actually, how it goes. I don’t think there’s another player in this series who gets away with taking out Bertuzzi’s legs the way that he does. It’s an art and he’s elite at it.”
The incident in question occurred in the second period when Marchand tripped Filip Bertuzzi without incurring a penalty. Seconds later, Trent Frederic capitalized on the powerplay, leveling the score 1-1 before the intermission.
In the third period, Marchand struck again, scoring the go-ahead goal and sealing the win with an empty-netter in the final minute. While acknowledging Marchand’s world-class talent, Keefe stressed the need for the Leafs to overcome the distractions posed by Marchand’s tactics.
Matthew Knies, a Maple Leafs’ forward, recognized the impact of Marchand’s antics on the team’s mindset. However, he emphasized the importance of composure and focus on effective play. “He wants to get under our skin and influence the refs, so I think we’ve just got to be composed and not kind of get into that b——-,” Knies explained. “Just play hard and make him (less) effective.”
Knies’ perspective aligns with the Maple Leafs’ need to improve their performance after a lackluster showing in Wednesday’s loss. Toronto was outscored 3-1 in the third period at home and failed to capitalize on any of their five powerplay opportunities, while Boston converted two of their three powerplays. By maintaining composure and focusing on strong play, the Maple Leafs can navigate the challenges posed by Marchand and secure a series victory.
