Zolak & Bertrand: Is Brad Marchand underappreciated in Boston?
Brad Marchand scored his 400th career goal in a 4-1 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday night, becoming just the fifth Bruins player to reach the milestone. As the accomplishments for the Bruins captain continue to rack up, is it fair to wonder if Marchand doesn’t get the respect he is due in the pantheon of Boston athletes? Marc Bertrand, Ryan Johnston and Paul Perillo discuss:
Apr 4, 2024; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Boston Bruins left wing Brad Marchand (63) celebrates his goal against the Carolina Hurricanes during the first period at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Is Brad Marchand underappreciated in Boston?
Beetle: 400 goals for Brad Marchand, the fifth player in Bruins history to do that. Is he not recognized enough in his place in Bruins history? But beyond that, is he not recognized enough for where he stands among Boston athletes in the here and now? And maybe for his entire career, he’s he’s always sort of been overshadowed by other players on the Bruins. But now he doesn’t have anyone to be overshadowed by on the Bruins. And he’s playing now at a time when he’s again up there with names like Bucyk and Espo and Rick Middleton and Patrice Bergeron, he becomes the fifth guy. And he’s playing at a time in the here and now, a Boston sports scene that is not exactly loaded with superstars. And I don’t know that he gets enough credit or recognition or if he’s considered one of those guys. Why is that?
Paul Perillo: Yeah. I mean, to your point, I think you could argue that Pastrnak gets more attention now, even than Marchand. But, I think those kinds of things are subjective. I certainly don’t overlook his his accomplishments. I think he is a Hall of Fame caliber player. How he’s perceived it in Boston. I leave that for other people, but that’s how I perceive him. I think he’s been a really important part of that team for over a decade. Do you guys feel like he’s underappreciated?
Beetle: I feel like he is.
Ryan Johnston: I think he’s overshadowed because he played next to one of the all time great Bruins for a lot of years. You know, Patrice Bergeron is a obvious first ballot Hall of Famer. And I think some people look at it and said Bergeron is the guy who carried that line. Marchand was kind of his running buddy. But you put, you know, Patrice Bergeron with basically any two wings, and those two wings are going to be better. And you also had Zdeno Chara first ballot Hall of Famer on those teams as well. I think now that those guys are gone and he’s wearing the “C”, I think you look at him maybe a little bit differently, but at the same time, like his production hasn’t quite been the same this year. Now I look at Brad Marchand and I say, not only is his number going to be hanging in the rafters at The Garden someday. I think he’s a Hockey Hall of Famer.
LISTEN: Is Brad Marchand underappreciated in Boston sports history?
Mazz's Tiers: Best Boston teams that didn't win a championship
Tier 1
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – APRIL 30: David Krejci #46 of the Boston Bruins reacts after Florida Panthers defeat the Bruins 4-3 in overtime of Game Seven of the First Round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden on April 30, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
1970-71 Boston Bruins – 1st round loss to the Montreal Canadiens
1975 Boston Red Sox – 96-65 record – Lose in World Series to Cincinnati Reds
1978-79 Boston Bruins – “Too Many Men” penalty
1978 Boston Red Sox – 99-64 record – Miss the playoffs by 1 game
1986 Boston Red Sox – Bill Buckner
2007 New England Patriots – Undefeated season – Lose in Super Bowl
2022-23 Boston Bruins – Best NHL Regular Season – First round loss
Tier 2
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 16: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors goes up for a layup against Jaylen Brown #7 and Robert Williams III #44 of the Boston Celtics during the second quarter in Game Six of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 16, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
1976 New England Patriots – 11-3 record – Lose to Oakland Raiders in Divisional Round
2003 Red Sox – Grady Little
2011 Red Sox – “Best Team Ever” misses the playoffs
2017 New England Patriots – 13-3 record – Lose to Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl
2018-19 Boston Bruins – Lose to St. Louis Blues in Stanley Cup Finals – 1-3 record at home in Finals.
2017-18 Boston Celtics – Lose in Conference Final to Cleveland Cavaliers
2021-22 Boston Celtics – Lose 2-1 series lead in NBA Finals – Lose series 4-2.
2009 and 2010 Boston Celtics – 2009 – Kevin Garnett Injury – 2010 – Lose to Los Angeles Lakers in NBA Finals
Tier 3
Sep 20, 2019; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora (20) watches game action during the third inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
1967 Boston Red Sox – 92-70 record – Lost in World Series
1986 and 1987 Boston Celtics – Lost both times to Los Angeles Lakers in Finals in 6 games
1988 and 1990 Boston Bruins – Lost to Edmonton Oilers both years in Stanley Cup Final
2008 Boston Red Sox – Defending Champions – Lost to Tampa Bay Rays in American League Championship Series in 7 games
2009 and 2010 Boston Bruins – 2009 – Lost to Carolina Hurricanes – 2010 Blew 3-0 series lead and a 3-0 game 7 lead in 7 game loss to Philadelphia Flyers
2013 Boston Bruins – Lost to Chicago Blackhawks in 2013 Stanley Cup Final
2019 Boston Red Sox – Defending Champions – Missed playoffs with 84-78 record
