Bruins’ Brad Marchand says ‘guys will be out for blood’ at 4 Nations Face-Off

Credit: © Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

There is a lot of excitement heading into the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off, though some people question the type of effort players will give during the in-season tournament.

However, Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand, one of the veteran stars set to participate in the event, says the players aren’t going to be taking it easy.

“Guys will be out for blood, Marchand told the media on Saturday. “It’s not an exhibition match. Doesn’t matter how quick it’s thrown together. You want to make [Canada] and your team proud.”

Marchand is part of an experienced Team Canada that is hoping to take home the title next month. With the tournament starting at the Montreal Canadiens’ home arena, the Bell Centre, he says it’ll be a change of pace to be on the home team in Quebec.

“It’ll be nice not to get booed in Montreal.”

Marchand and Canada will take on the best from Finland, Sweden and the United States in the first-ever 4 Nations Face-Off. It is taking the place of the traditional All-Star Game, which has often been criticized for the lackluster effort put forth by players over the years. There has been skepticism that players might not take it overly seriously, as it is in the middle of the NHL season, in fear of suffering an injury that could hurt their chances of playing in the postseason.

Yet, with players calling for more best-on-best hockey, fans will be excited to see the game’s top players giving it their all rather than playing a glorified game of shinny.

Marchand is one of the most decorated players on the international level. Along with winning the Stanley Cup with the Bruins in 2011, he won two gold medals for Canada at the IIHF World Junior Championship, one at the IIHF Men’s World Championship, and was the MVP of the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. The only title the Halifax native doesn’t have is Olympic champion.

The 4 Nations Face-Off begins on Feb. 12, with Canada facing Sweden. The championship game will come at Boston’s TD Garden on Feb. 20.