Playoff hockey?Bruins know it's Pat Maroon's time to shine

BOSTON — The Bruins acquired Pat Maroon on March 8, strengthening their bottom six with a proven winner as the clock ticks toward the 2024 NHL trade deadline.

It's safe to say that his influence so far has been minimal.

Is it because of Maroon? No, when the Bruins acquired the 35-year-old, they knew he would be sidelined for some time as he was still recovering from back surgery in February. Maroon finally returned to the ice in a win against the Pittsburgh Penguins on April 13, but has appeared in only two total games since coming to Boston.

Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery won't stop putting more responsibility on the muscular shoulders of his rookie players.

Maroon enters the postseason as part of Boston's top power-play unit, sharing the net front with Kevin Shattenkirk, David Pastrnak, Danton Heinen and Pavel Zasa. The Bruins have needed to make some changes on special teams, and Maroon's addition may come as a surprise to some.

more bruins

The biggest difference between the Bruins and Maple Leafs is culture.

Written by Keegan Stiefel
3 minute read

Bruins remain silent and enjoy mystery of playoff goaltender selection

Written by Keegan Stiefel
3 minute read

But in Montgomery's eyes, that's exactly where he should be.

“He's great for my line because he develops people,” Montgomery told reporters Friday. “He's great at keeping guys in a positive mindset on the bench. I think his ability to hang on to the puck and make plays on the ice is incredibly underrated.”

There's a reason the Maroons earned the nickname “Big Rig.” He's a complete moose, but despite his menacing presence and ability to mix things up with anyone, Montgomery appreciates his skills.

“A lot of people talk about Pat Maroon and 'fighting,' for lack of a better word, but to me he's a hockey player,” Montgomery said. “He's a hockey player, so he's won three Cups. How many Stanley Cup games has he played? One or two? He's won three Cups, so he's got 48 wins. That will happen.”

The Maroons had three postseason games on their resume, but only one on the way to the Stanley Cup, so Monty's memories weren't bad. Not only did he win three Stanley Cups, he also won them in consecutive seasons as a member of the St. Louis Blues and Tampa Bay Lighting. He has played in a total of 150 playoff games in his career, making him one of the most experienced players on Boston's roster.

more maroon

Bruins welcome Pat Maroon in hilarious social media video

Written by Jason Umpraseus
2 minute read

How Pat Maroon joining Boston's lineup will impact the Bruins

Written by Gail Troiani
2 minute read

He knows what it takes to get the job done.

“It's like the ice shrinks in the playoffs. The games get tougher,” Maroon explained after Boston's practice on Friday. You have to come to work, you have to wear work boots, you have to go dirty, you have to want to win puck battles on the wall, you have to hit to make plays. must be hit. That's everything. If you look around the league, I think most of the goals in the playoffs are scored in front of the net. It all comes down to being aggressive, being defensive, playing hard, and fighting the puck, which is tough to play against. ”

The Bees are scheduled to begin the Stanley Cup Playoffs Saturday night against the Toronto Maple Leafs at TD Garden, giving the Maroons another chance to win the top prize, but once again in a new environment. I feel new.

“It's going to be a good atmosphere in both Boston and Toronto,” Maroon said. “There’s a history here and we’re excited to be a part of it.”