Marchand trolls Blue Jackets' Atkinson, Nash ahead of Game 2
Boston Bruins super-pest Brad Marchand is up to his old tricks against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Marchand's antics began in Game 1 of the second-round series when he appeared to intentionally stomp on and break the stick of Blue Jackets forward Cam Atkinson during an overtime faceoff.
Marchand stepping on Cam’s stick. Surprised the little rat didn’t lick him afterwards. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/AFWhFkIYrB
— The CBJ Artillery (@TheCBJArtillery) April 26, 2019
Asked about the play, Marchand replied in typical tongue-in-cheek fashion.
"I think he was trying to dull my blade there," Marchand said, according to Conor Ryan of Boston Sports Journal. "Send me to the room, get it sharpened. It's kind of rude of him to do."
The 29-year-old Atkinson is well aware of the pesky Bruin's intentions and isn't getting caught up in his tactics.
"Hey, if that's how he wants to roll," Atkinson said, according to NHL.com's Dan Rosen. "I don't know, that's who he is. I'm not going to let it get to me. It is what it is."
The goal-scorer even made light of the situation.
"He owes me $300," Atkinson said, according to TSN's Frank Seravalli. "I'm expecting that. Cash. Straight cash."
Marchand's shenanigans continued off the ice when he directed comments at former teammate Riley Nash, whose big hit on David Krejci forced the Bruins center to leave the game.
"I don't think he had a hit in two years with us," Marchand said Friday, according to Matt Kalman of WEEI. "So obviously everybody's bought into their system and the way they play."
The Bruins won the opening tilt 3-2 in overtime on Charlie Coyle's fifth goal of the postseason. Game 2 is set for Saturday night at TD Garden in Boston.