The Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins have been one of, if not the NHL's, fiercest rivals for the previous ten years, but Brad Marchand looks to be entering the game with a more, shall we say, "lighthearted" attitude.
Brad Marchand on the Leafs this morning: "It's a matter of time until they make a really good push and go deep. They're just too talented.
Marchand's praise of the Maple Leafs is unusual, but it really demonstrates his class and ability to express gratitude when it is due.
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Even more specifically describing the Toronto Maple Leafs and how challenging they are to play against, Marchand said:
you have to respect it, but they have definitely gotten better over the last number of years. They brought some D in that are much more defensively responsible, harder to play against, a little more physical and a little bigger. They are definitely improving, they are legit contenders this year