Mitch Marner Shares Unexpected Remarks About Arguably the Leafs' Most Heated Rival, Brad Marchand
Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images/USA Today Sports
Maple Leafs superstar Mitch Marner speaks unexpectedly highly of 4 Nations Face-Off teammate Brad Marchand following Canada's victory over Sweden.
As Team Canada secured their first win of the 4 Nations Face-Off against Team Sweden, one player stood out for his exceptional performance: Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner.
Marner scored a spectacular overtime goal, assisted by Sidney Crosby, leading Canada to victory to open the tournament.
In addition to his offensive contribution, Marner was a key player on the penalty kill, where he was paired with an unlikely partner in heated rival Brad Marchand.
Marner spoke on what it was like to penalty kill with Marchand following the win, and his remarks towards the always energetic Marchand were certainly surprising to some.
"It was only one [penalty] kill tonight, but it went really well. Brad's a hell of a penalty killer -- I've known that for a long time. You saw what he did at the last World Cup.
He's very vocal out there, and so am I, so we can work off each other really well, which is something you appreciate. We both have great instincts and are quick on our feet.
We didn't have to defend too much in our zone on that one, but we were communicating, figuring things out, and that's what you like to see."
He's very vocal out there, and so am I, so we can work off each other really well, which is something you appreciate. We both have great instincts and are quick on our feet.
We didn't have to defend too much in our zone on that one, but we were communicating, figuring things out, and that's what you like to see."
Marner's praise for Marchand feels surreal, considering their rivalry, but it's clear that the Canadian team has united to represent their country with pride. It's also clear that both players have a tremendous amount of respect for one another.
Over the last decade, the Boston Bruins, led by Marchand, have been the Toronto Maple Leafs' biggest rivals. Despite the rivalry, it's undeniable that both teams have an abundance of talent, which is on full display in this tournament.
Marner will continue to skate on the first line alongside Connor McDavid and Sam Reinhart, forming one of the most lethal lines in the 4 Nations Face-Off.
Team Canada will face an intense clash against their rivals, Team USA, on Saturday, where Marner, Marchand, and the entire Canadian squad will need to bring their best.
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