Boston – Stanley made a trip to Boston but never made it into TD Garden. When he does make his grand entrance it can energize the building, if the home team is winning that is. The Bruins have made it to a Game 7, although many had counted them out, countless times, and some predicted a sweep (not me I had them winning in 7). With “Put up, or Shut Up” time coming, two rookies can make a big impact, Brad Marchand, and Tyler Seguin.

Marchand, the 71st overall pick in 2006, plays tough (ask the Sedins) and yet he can exhibit some terrific speed bursts, quick shots, and the ability to know where to go on the ice. Some of that is innate and some of that credit should go to his linemate, Mark Recchi, who at 43-years-old, is looking to possibly retire on a high note.

“It was great for Marchand, he’s had a heck of a year,” he said talking about his teammate reaching the 20-goal plateau for the first time, earlier this season.

The kid is smart and he seems to have great “hockey sense” to boot.

“That one extra day helps so much,” he said talking about getting a day off.

When he scored the first goal of the game leading to a Game 6 rout, he energized his teammates once again and now he seems to have turned into the team’s igniter.

“I kind of read the play and got behind the d-man.”

Seguin had been averaging just over ten minutes of ice time, he should get more, but the point is when he’s out on the ice he’s creating matchup problems for the Canucks defense and at times he has looked like he is skating with a rocket pack attached to his back. This kid is worldly and he’s wise beyond his years, that’s for sure.

“We have to look at every period like it’s a new game.”

The Bruins have a lot of character and they will bring their A game in hopes of getting their first Stanley Cup victory since 1972. Keeping that thought in mind, Marchand uttered one more phrase that stuck with me in regards to dealing with Vancouver’s obvious home-ice advantage.

“We have to find a way to counter that.”

That’s easier said than done, that’s for sure.

photo by del Tufo.