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"Everybody wrote us off": Brad Marchand expresses pride in Bruins playoff run after Game 6 loss to Panthers
The Boston Bruins' playoff run came to an end on Friday night with a tough 2-1 loss to the Florida Panthers in Game 6 of their Eastern Conference Second-Round series at TD Garden. Despite the disappointing defeat, Bruins captain Brad Marchand expressed how proud he was of his team's performance this postseason after many doubted them heading in.
"I can't say how proud I am of this team enough. Everybody wrote us off, said we weren't a playoff team," Marchand said after the game. "From where we started to where we finished, I couldn't be more proud."
Marchand specifically mentioned young players Mason Lohrei and Justin Brazeau by name as players who stepped up.
Brad Marchand returned to play after sitting out the last two games due to an injury, which was suspected to be a concussion.
Pavel Zacha scored the lone goal for Boston, while goaltender Jeremy Swayman put up a valiant effort with 26 saves.
Florida's victory was powered by goals from defenseman Gustav Forsling and forward Anton Lundell, along with a solid performance by goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, who made 22 saves on the night.
"You can't win every game 2-1," said Bruins coach Jim Montgomery of the offensive struggles (via foxsports.com). "Their goalie was good, and we didn't beat him."
Montgomery highlighted the incredible atmosphere and support from Bruins fans throughout the run.
"That ovation at the beginning of the game says it all," Montgomery said. "I thought it was going to be our night before the game. I thought our players were loose and confident. They went out and played that way."
Brad Marchand's Bruins Suffer Heartbreaking 2-1 Loss to Panthers in Game 6
Brad Marchand's Bruins struck first when Pavel Zacha capitalized on a partial breakaway, scoring with a nifty backhand off a pass from Jake DeBrusk at 19:07 of the first period.
Anton Lundell tied the game 1-1 at 12:44 of the second period, taking advantage of a blocked shot by DeBrusk just five seconds earlier. Lundell pounced on the loose puck off Bruins defenseman Parker Wotherspoon's stick and snapped it past goaltender Jeremy Swayman.
With time winding down in the third period, Gustav Forsling delivered the heartbreaking blow to the Bruins, scoring the go-ahead goal with just 1:33 remaining. Forsling, who had scored 10 goals during the regular season, was surprised to find himself in the role of hero.
"I didn't see it go in. I just saw someone else react. It was amazing," Forsling said post-game (via foxsports.com). "I'm not usually the guy who scores the game-winning goal; I'm out there trying to defend. It's nice to help your team win, but I'll stick to defense."
The Panthers' win in the playoffs was their second in a row against the Bruins as they managed to knock them out in overtime of Game 7 during the first round last year. Florida's success in winning all three road games during this series played a role in their victory.
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