Brad Marchand Key to Bruins’ Success

The awards and stories will all be about Tim Thomas, but love him or hate him, Brad Marchand got the job done.

Marchand scored twice in the Game Seven 4-0 over Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena to finish with 11 goals and eight assists as the Bruins lifted the Stanley Cup for the first time since 1972.

Marchand's 11 is tied for second amongst goals by rookies in the postseason and only Dino Ciccarelli, who had 14 goals for the Minnesota North Stars in 1981, has scored more.

Marchand's primary role was thought to be that of an agitator, but he forced his way onto the second line to become a rookie sensation.

“I wanted to come in and I didn't know what to expect. I just wanted to produce. Luckily, I did,” Marchand said. “It is surreal. You don't realize it. It just doesn't kick in. I don't know if it ever will. I'm just at a loss for words right now.”

But it is Thomas who will get all the plaudits.