Marchand In Tears As He Receives Standing Ovation In Return To Boston
We have seen long awaited returns in sports go several ways. There are players like the Houston Rockets‘ forward Kevin Durant, who is still booed every time he touches a basketball in the Oklahoma City Thunders’ arena now ten years after his exit. But for former Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand, it was nothing but applause throughout TD Garden as the 37-year-old played in Boston as a visitor for the first time in his life.
As a tribute video played over the jumbotron during a commercial timeout, Marchand watched with red eyes as the moments that defined his 16 years as a Boston Bruin flashed. The entire Florida Panthers‘ bench watched as fans rose to their feet to thank Marchy for his decade and a half of service.
Then a teary eyed Marchand skated to center ice, stick held to the rafters, and thanks the fans one last time. With his open hand over his heart, the now two time Stanley Cup champion allowed the tears to fall.
Both benches joined in the ovation as Marchand returned to his bench, but the cheers didn’t stop. Sensing the moment, Marchand jumped the boards again, waving to fans once more.
Black and Gold number 63 jerseys littered the stands as Marchand continued to cry. In a moment Bruins fans won’t soon forget, Marchand was given his flowers with a heartfelt tribute.
Brad Marchand makes big impact in return to Boston
It was not just the fact that the Panthers won the game for Marchand, but he also played a meaningful role in the win and did everything that he does in a typical hockey game.
He used his skill to record two assists.
He managed to draw a penalty just 34 seconds into the game.
He took a penalty early in the second period.
He also played 20 minutes and was a two-way force all over the ice, contributing to the Panthers offense and also playing a big role in quieting the Bruins. When he was on the ice, Florida allowed just four shots on goal during five-on-five play and pretty much completely eliminated any high-danger scoring chances.
Marchand, now 37 years old, is not quite the same player he was at his peak with the Bruins, but he still has something left in the tank. With his two assists on Tuesday he is already up to three goals, five assists and eight total points in Florida's first eight games. With superstar forwards Aleksander Barkov (for the entire season) and Matthew Tkachuk (for at least the first two or three months) sidelined for extended periods of time, the Panthers are going to need players like Marchand to step up and produce even more. He did exactly that on Tuesday against his former team.
The Broncos should also benefit from a playoff scenario that sees fewer and fewer teams on the cusp of contention. Only eight AFC teams sit at .500 or better through seven games
The Denver Broncos' offense came to life in the final quarter of their dramatic win over the Giants, but their offensive line held its own throughout the game. The Broncos' unit has been a premier group over the past few years, especially in the passing game. Injury to Ben Powers raised some questions, however, and the future of the line until Powers returns remains up in the air.
The Broncos sit in an incredible playoff position at 5-2, but the front office needs to recognize that Denver is far from perfect. A pair of improbable comebacks might cause reason for concern, but their two last-second losses to the Colts and Chargers suggest that the Broncos could be better than their record shows. At 5-2, the Broncos have a fairly accurate understanding of themselves: a strong playoff contender that could use reinforcements.
The Broncos arguably have the best tackle duo in football, with Mike McGlinchey and Garett Bolles, an All-Pro in Quinn Meinerz, but lack the same star power on the opposite side of their interior. Luke Wattenberg has been a solid but unspectacular starter, and recent snap issues have raised concerns. Alex Palczewski was solid in the replacement of Ben Powers, but he limits Denver's depth as a starter, especially with Matt Peart on the IR.
The Broncos must add offensive line reinforcements at the trading deadline
Whether it be a starter or a reserve, the Broncos must add offensive line reinforcements before the trading deadline. The trenches have been elite position groups for the Broncos the past two seasons, and the team is built to dominate inside. With injuries stacking up, the Broncos must ensure that they have the depth to last the rest of the regular season.
The issue the Broncos are facing is not only their depth but also their personnel usage. The Broncos had made a habit of including an extra offensive lineman plenty this year, and Palczewski had been that man until the injury to Ben Powers.
With Powers and Peart on the IR, the Broncos' depth is limited. Whether Palczewski remains the starter or becomes a reserve again, the Broncos need to ensure that their next injury doesn't cripple their offensive line, and eventually their ability to run the football.
The Broncos should also benefit from a playoff scenario that sees fewer and fewer teams on the cusp of contention. Only eight AFC teams sit at .500 or better through seven games, with one being a suddenly free-falling Jaguars team.
Several teams across the league could be in a position to accept extra draft capital prior to the season's end, and could be more than willing to move an offensive lineman. Denver needs to jump on this market and ensure they have the depth needed to make a playoff push.
