COLUMBUS, Ohio — Something is bothering Brad Marchand.
Either that, or the opportunity to return to the Eastern Conference Final for the first time since 2013 left the Boston Bruins winger speechless.
Marchand has not been in a talkative mood since cameras caught him punching Columbus Blue Jackets defenceman Scott Harrington in the back of the head late in Game 3 of the second-round series.
After Boston eliminated Columbus with a 3-0 win on Monday night, Marchand was short with Sportsnet reporter Kyle Bukauskus during an on-ice interview and did his best Marshawn Lynch impression during a 19-question scrum with reporters afterwards.
Here is a transcript of how it went:
Reporter: [What’s the] best way to describe the way Tuukka’s played?
Marchand: Great.
Reporter: Would you care to elaborate?
Marchand: Nope.
Reporter: Would you guys be here without the way he’s played do you think?
Marchand: No.
Reporter: How much energy can you guys [get] when he’s making stops like that?
Marchand: A lot.
Reporter: Did Tuukka look dented to you?
Marchand: Obviously not.
Reporter: Why the short answers Brad?
Marchand: Next.
Reporter: How good does it feel … to be back in the conference final?
Marchand: It’s good.
Reporter: Where did you get that outfit?
Marchand: China.
Reporter: What was the difference from being 2-1 down in the series to winning the last three?
Marchand: We won.
Reporter: When Tuukka is playing the way he is, how much does that help you up front?
Marchand: A ton.
Reporter: Do you have a bet on how few words you’re going to say in this?
Marchand: Maybe.
Reporter: What’s been able to separate the way you guys have played on the road in the playoffs?
Marchand: I don’t know.
Reporter: Did anybody say anything interesting to you in the handshake line?
Marchand: Nope.
Reporter: Is this one of the more solid professional wins that you’ve had in the post-season?
Marchand: Not really, but it’s a good one.
Reporter: What do you think about Carolina?
Marchand: They’re good.
Reporter: Will you be happy to get a rest?
Marchand: Yes.
Reporter: Were you happy to not hear the cannon tonight?
Marchand: Yes.
Reporter: Are you feeling a little crispy tonight?
Marchand: Oh yeah.
Reporter: Why’s that?
Marchand: Just ‘cause.
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