Brad Marchand, the captain of the Boston Bruins, is enjoying an incredible season. He recently passed a Hall of Famer on the team’s all-time goals scored list with some overtime heroics.
The Bruins had wasted a 2-0 lead, but Marchand’s game-winning goal against the Ottawa Senators on Thursday night gave them a 3-2 triumph.
It was the 396th goal of Marchand’s career, which put him ahead of Ray Bourque for sole possession of fifth place on the Bruins’ career goals scored list. Marchand needs just seven more goals to pass Rick Middleton in fourth place and 32 to pass his longtime linemate Patrice Bergeron in third place.
5. Brad Marchand, 396
4. Rick Middleton, 402
3. Patrice Bergeron, 427
2. Phil Esposito, 459
1. Johnny Bucyk, 545
It’s unique. When asked about the achievement by reporters after the game, Marchand replied, “I try not to think about it too much, but it is special.” “I never imagined that my career would go to this point or that certain events would have occurred. To be a part of a club that has achieved so much success and to have so many amazing guys to learn from has been an immense blessing. The men who established this culture and whom you aspire to join at the beginning are the ones who set the foundation for it.
When you learn to buy in, success is possible for everyone. One of the first things you learn here is to come in, buy in, act morally, and become a member of a winning team and winning culture. Visiting the rink every day is enjoyable. All the way through the lineup, you have great success. I feel like I have a lot of time left, so even though I’m really proud of it, I just don’t get caught up in it. Maybe when I finally retire, I’ll reflect on my achievements, but each year, winning the final game is more important than amassing stats. Though it’s a necessary step in the process, it’s remarkable when you take a step back and observe it. Indeed, I consider myself really lucky.”
In 48 games this season, Marchand has collected 47 points (24 goals, 23 assists). Despite being 35 years old and requiring double hip surgery in 2022, he remains an elite player and the best all-around left wing in the game. In the event that he does have a lengthy career left, he will climb significantly up many of the Bruins’ all-time standings.