REPORT: Star player praises opponent

Although Brad Marchand was the spotlight in the World Cup with team-leading goals, including the shorthanded winner in the finals, he was not short of praise of the Penguins’ captain.

“The most difficult thing was figuring out how to read him during puck battles in the offensive zone,” he said. “There were times I’d think he needed help, and go to him. Then he’d beat three guys and I was in his way.”

Marchand laughed and said he asked Crosby on the bench what to do. The reply: “He kind of shrugged and said, ‘If you think I’m in trouble, help. If you don’t, stay away.’”

Once they face each other in the regular season with their respective teams, this respect will be put on hold and each will play their game to make the other lose.