Brad Marchand has a whopping 150 games of playoff reps under his belt.
With his one-timer that sailed into twine on Saturday night, Boston’s captain has lit the lamp 56 times during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. No Bruins player has scored more goals during postseason play.
Experience is a coveted asset during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, with teams putting a premium on seasoned veterans who have already trudged through the physical and mental toll needed to etch one’s name on hockey’s most coveted prize.
But for all of his accolades on hockey’s highest stage, Marchand doesn’t always believe that experience is the great equalizer when it comes to delivering in the playoffs.
Because when the 35-year-old Marchand hoisted the Stanley Cup in 2011, he was a 23-year-old rookie — unburdened by the pressure that understandably builds over the years as NHLers press for a sought-after title.
Thirteen years later, Boston’s elder statesmen sees another Bruins rookie following a similar script during playoff action in 23-year-old defenseman Mason Lohrei.
“I remember my first run, it’s pure adrenaline,” Marchand said after Boston’s 3-1 win over the Maple Leafs in Game 4. “You get out there and you’re so excited that you finally have the opportunity. You’ve worked your entire life and you play this game, and the hours and time you put in, to have an opportunity to play for a Stanley Cup.
“And that’s right there in front of you. And it’s just pure adrenaline. … Mason has come in and played unbelievable for us. He’s made a lot of really good plays, jumping up in the play. He’s battling hard, he’s making strong plays defensively. So it’s great to see.”
Pressed into playoff action following an injury to Andrew Peeke and a scratched Matt Grzelcyk, Lohrei played a key role in Boston’s victory on Saturday — recording a primary helper on James van Riemsdyk’s opening tally while logging 17:36 of ice time.
“Just how assertive he was,” Jim Montgomery said Sunday of what stood out about Lohrei’s play in Game 4. “I mean, he was so good last night. With the puck, without the puck, he was all over the ice making plays and obviously a big part of why we won.”
It doesn’t take very long to see why Lohrei is regarded as Boston’s top player in its prospect…
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