NHL: 30 best Game 7 performances in Stanley Cup history: 28. Brad Marchand
- 2 goals
- 1 assist
- 3 points
It may have been Brad Marchand’s first time in the big leagues but he didn’t want to waste an opportunity to win a Stanley Cup in his first year.
In terms of overall impact on a singular game, Marchand is up there with the best of them. With everything on the line, Marchand stepped into his new role confidently with the Boston Bruins and in Game 7 of the 2011 NHL Finals, he shined brighter than anyone.
Marchand assisted on the game’s first goal in the opening period. Not satisfied with the slim lead, the first year player decided he wanted to increase it. He rushed past several defenders less than two minutes later and found the goal he was looking for. With the lead now sitting at 3-0, Marchand showed no remorse as he scored yet again in the final period, bringing the score to 4-0. For the remainder of the game, Marchand played hard and looked for scoring opportunities as if the game was tied.
It was his aggressive Game 7 approach that led his team to the blowout victory. Although he hasn’t picked up another Stanley Cup since then, he’ll always be able to look back at the moment wherein a game full of stars, no one played better than his rookie self.