Canada forward Brad Marchand (63) celebrates his goal over Sweden with teammates during the first period of 4 Nations Face-Off hockey action in Montreal, Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)AP
MONTREAL — Brad Marchand has been asked the same question several times since the logistics of the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off were announced.
“Would fans in Montreal actually cheer for Brad Marchand? Obviously not in a Bruins uniform. But playing for Team Canada against Sweden at the Bell Centre?
Canadiens fans come off the factory line wired to hate almost everyone who plays for the Bruins. But there are degrees. They respected Patrice Bergeron the way many Red Sox fans respected Derek Jeter.
And most hockey fans hate Marchand, whose playing style has frustrated opponents around the NHL and angered their fans.
Over the course of his career, Marchand has been especially irritating to Montreal fans.
In 56 games against the Bruins' hated rival, he has 17 goals (including four game-winners) and 31 assists. His 81 penalty minutes against Les Habitants are the most he’s had vs. any opponent.
Marchand wasn’t in the starting lineup for Team Canada, so there was no opportunity to cheer or boo ahead of time.
But with 6:45 left in the first, Marchand finished a pass from Brayden Point on a 2-on-1 to put Canada ahead.
The fans naturally cheered the goal and when Marchand’s name was announced for scoring, most of the crowd cheered. There were a couple of stray boos, but they were mostly drowned out. The ovation wasn’t as loud as it was for Canadian national hero Sidney Crosby when he scored the first goal, but they cheered.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
