Coming to the USA vs. Canada game, Brad Marchand had the kind of energy that a real warrior of the hockey field can possess. The captain of the Bruins understood that this was not any ordinary match but a clash of titans. “There’s no bigger rivalry,” Marchand had said, obviously getting into the spirit of the game. “They’re the games that everybody dreams about playing growing up. Memories that will last a lifetime.” And while there was a glint of fire in his eyes, when the puck was yet to drop, let’s just say that Team USA had different plans.

The Americans came back with three goals in a row and changed the course of the game and left the ice as deserved 3-1 winners. That wasn’t just any loss for Canada—it snapped their jaw-dropping 17-game win streak in the best-on-best competition. But if there’s one thing about Marchand, he doesn’t dwell on the past. And what’s next? Another chance to make magic, this time at TD Garden in Boston; his NHL home. With the 4 Nations Face-Off heading to his stomping grounds, the Bruins captain is ready to shake off the loss and make his presence known.

As per a video shared by Boston Bruins, Brad Marchand couldn’t be more pumped about heading to Boston for the next round of the 4 Nations Face-Off. When asked about playing at TD Garden, he didn’t hold back. “Yeah, looking forward to playing there, obviously a lot of history there, and you know, it’s like home at this point,” he said. “So, can’t wait to play in front of the fans there. It’ll be a special experience.”

The energy in Montreal was unreal, but Boston? That’s a whole different level. “Yeah, I mean, it’s different, you know. There’s nothing like playing in front of Canada for Canada,” he admitted. “But it’s a whole different element, you know, being in Boston, and obviously been there for a long time now, so it’ll be a really special opportunity.” To Marchand, this is not another ordinary tournament game on the schedule–this is returning to home ice where the intensity always rises.

And if there’s one thing that Marchand knows, it is that the fans in Boston do not simply spectate, they are an integral part of the sporting events. “I mean, they just love it. They bleed for their sports, you know. They take so much pride in being good teams and the way they support their group,” he said. “And you know, they let you know every single day how much they care.” Well, that passion drives the energy, and Marchand could not have it any other way. “So it means a lot, you know, the high expectations they have there and the will to win. It makes it a lot more fun playing there.” There is no question that Boston is ready to turn it up, and Marchand is prepared to enjoy every moment of it.

And now? The next match of Canada will be against Finland which will be played at the TD Garden in Boston on February 17. The match starts at 1 pm ET and can be watched on MAX, truTV, TNT, SN, TVAS and so on. But before we proceed further, let’s go back to Brad Marchand. He understood that this was going to be a war—no friendly feelings between USA and Canada and he was ready for it. But even with the stakes sky-high, Marchand kept it real and confessed empathizing with U.S.

Brad Marchand takes sides with U.S.

The Bell Centre in Montréal has been the venue that witnessed some thrilling moments in the game of hockey this week. Starting with the spectacular 4 Nations Face-Off to the USA- Finland match and also the match which has been the center of much hype. During the first game of the tournament, the Canadian spectators were heard booing the national anthem of the United States of America. Well, the Americans were not going to be outdone, at least not on the scoreboard. They lit up Finland with a flurry of goals, making sure their hockey did the talking. But that was not the end of it.

The reaction from the hockey world? Loud. Players, analysts, and even the Canadian celebrities addressed the entire mob-like atmosphere of the game. And leading the charge? None other than Brad Marchand, who didn’t hold back. “They should not be booing the Americans during that anthem,” he said. “They have nothing to do with the political things that are going on. I do feel bad for those guys in that moment. I don’t think it’s right.”

Marchand was realistic–an anthem is not a political statement, it is a tribute to the soldiers who sacrifice their lives for their nation. And yet, despite his clear message, the internet trolls came swinging, tossing insults like cheap shots in a scrappy third period. Some even questioned his Canadian pride, throwing out lines like, “Nothing about this punk-ss b-tch is Canadian.” But Marchand? He stood his ground. “I mean, the anthems are there as a sign of respect. And because of our veterans and all that they’ve sacrificed, and the entire reason we even get to play this game and have freedom. So for them to be booing that, it’s extremely disrespectful to the veterans, which I don’t agree with at all.” Mic drop.