Former Bruins forward learned Brad Marchand was ‘good guy’ while teammates
Bruins #Bruins
Tyler Bertuzzi was familiar with Brad Marchand long before they became teammates at last year’s NHL trade deadline. The former Bruins forward — much like Marchand — was known as an agitator while with the Detroit Red Wings. Bertuzzi wasn’t afraid to drop the gloves with Marchand and get under his skin — or anyone, for that matter.
When Boston traded for Bertuzzi last season, many wondered how the two would get along. They instantly clicked. But Bertuzzi, now with the Bruins’ rival Toronto Maple Leafs, would soon learn something about Marchand he never knew before.
“He’s a good guy,” Bertuzzi told reporters Thursday.
$200 INSTANT BONUS
DRAFTKINGS MASS
BET $5, GET $200 BONUS BET
FANDUEL MASS
BET $50, GET $250 BONUS
CAESARS MASS
$1,000 FIRST-BET BONUS
BETMGM MASS
MA only. 21+. Gambling Problem? If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling, please call 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org for 24/7 support. LiveChat with a GameSense Advisor at GameSenseMA.com or call 1-800-GAM-1234 MA Gambling Helpline.
“He’s just easy to get along with. He’s funny,” he added. “He’s just he’s a lot of fun to be around.”
Even though Bertuzzi and Marchand weren’t teammates for a full season, he still got to see the ins and outs of the now-Bruins captain and how he’s able to quickly able to agitate someone. Bertuzzi admitted Marchand will probably “try something” Thursday to get under his skin.
“But it’s all in good fun,” Bertuzzi said.
The Bruins and the Maple Leafs have had a long rivalry that’s included Boston eliminating Toronto from the Stanley Cup Playoffs on multiple occasions over the years — including the 2013 improbable Game 7 comeback that ended with Patrice Bergeron sending the B’s to the next round.
The Maple Leafs try to halt their two-game losing streak when the puck drops at TD Garden at 7:30 p.m. EST. But it won’t be an easy task against the 8-0-1 Bruins.