By MARK DIVVER
Assistant Sports Editor
PROVIDENCE -- If Brad Marchand is bothered by the nasty things the Worcester Sharks are saying about him, he doesn't show it.
After reading derogatory quotes from Sharks coach Roy Sommer -- "a freakin classless act'' -- and center Andrew Desjardins -- "He's a joke'' -- in the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, the feisty rookie smirked and said he's just doing his part to help the Providence Bruins win.
"If it's getting in the papers, I'm doing my job,'' Marchand said after the morning skate Wednesday at the Dunkin Donuts Center. "We're up in the series, 3-2, we're going back to their rink. I'm obviously doing something right. Two guys took penalties on me (Monday) night. They're always yapping at me, so I'm doing my job.''
One thing that Marchand will not do is back off on his in-your-face style of play.
"I like playing that game, it's fun to play. I have to do it if I'm going to have a career. It really gets my game going and I play a lot better, so I'm going to keep doing it,'' he said.
At the same time, Marchand knows he has to be careful.
"I've gotta make sure I don't cross the line. I got a couple of penalties (Monday night), and they capitalized on both of them. So I have to make sure I stay on the right side of the line, do what I can to help the team.''
*****
Providence coach Rob Murray said he will go with the same lineup in Game 6 Wednesday night. If Game 7 is necessary, it will be played Thursday at The Dunk at 7 p.m. Game 7 of the Boston-Carolina series is at 8 o'clock the same night.
*****
It's looking like Bruins management made a shrewd move by signing Drummondville center Yannick Riendeau to a free-agent contract in early April instead of waiting until after the season.
Riendeau, 20, the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League scoring champ this season, is in the midst of a playoff scoring run for the ages, and his price undoubtedly would have escalated.
Riendeau has an incredible 29 goals and 23 assists for 52 points in 19 playoff games. He was awarded the Guy Lafleur Trophy as the Most Valuable Player in the QMJHL playoffs.
Bruins fans can get a look at Riendeau starting this weekend when Drummondville plays in the Memorial Cup. The NHL Network is televising the tournament.
Marchand played against Riendeau for the past few seasons in the Q. Here's his take:
"He's a great player. I've had the opportunity to play against him quite a few times. He's very dangerous every time he gets the puck. He's got very good skill, sees the ice really well. He's a great power-play player. He's very good at threading the needle. He's always dangerous in tight areas. I know when he comes in next year he's going to make a difference.''
*****
The winner of the Providence-Worcester series will play Hershey in the Eastern Conference finals. Hershey beat Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, 3-0, in Game 7 of the East Division finals on Tuesday. Former Providence Bruin Keith Aucoin had the game-winning goal and an assist.
Email
New comments
New photos
Authors
New posts
Projo blogs
Archives
Leave a comment