When Tyler Bertuzzi joined the Boston Bruins last season, he didn’t know what to expect. Especially when it came to new teammate Brad Marchand. Bertuzzi joined the pest when he was traded from the Detroit Red Wings and while he didn’t re-sign in Boston instead inking a one-year, $5.5 million deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Bertuzzi still has a lot of good things to say about the Bruins’ new captain.
This is what Bertuzzi revealed about Marchand prior to the game between the Maple Leafs and Bruins on Thursday night:
“That’s he’s actually a nice guy,” Bertuzzi told reporters at TD Garden on Thursday. “He’s easy to get along with and he’s a lot of fun to be around.”
Last night was Bertuzzi’s first meeting against his former teammates and Marchand and he already knew the captain would try to stir the pot.
“Yeah I know he’s just full of sh*t now,” Bertuzzi added. “But he’s going to try and do something tonight but it’s all in good fun.”
Marchand did indeed cause some trouble (and I'm not sure it was all in good fun). Late in the first period, Marchand was involved in another controversial hit when he took out Maple Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren with a stick between the legs ‘can opener’ move deep in Toronto’s zone. The play took Liljegren out of action and will reportedly miss significant time.
After the play took place and Liljegren was helped off the ice, the Maple Leafs' bench was jawing back and forth with Marchand, who probably didn't hold back. Bertuzzi can be seen on the bench listening to his former player, smiling and laughing.
The Bruins ended up with the 3-2 shootout win over Toronto. Bertuzzi has two goals and one assist this season and did not record a point in the defeat despite the fact that he usually has good track record against Boston.
As for Marchand, he put up an assist in the victory - and got a lot of heat for his slew-foot on Liljegren. Well expect from Bertuzzi, who could help but laugh at his former teammate.
However, I'd love to know what Bertuzzi would have to say about Marchand after the 3-2 shootout in which he injured his teammate Liljegren...
Recommended articles:
- Coach Keefe gives an update on Liljegren and it's NOT good
- Marchand looking at potential suspension after ugly play this evening
- Timothy Liljegren injured on a dirty play by Brad Marchand
- Brad Marchand targets Connor Bedard yet again
- Brad Marchand goes after Connor Bedard again in Bruins-Hawks 2nd game of the season
