Brad Marchand Hat Trick Powers Boston Bruins Past Vancouver Canucks

Brad Marchand, a strong Hart Trophy candidate, nets a hat trick to help the Boston Bruins power past the Vancouver Canucks 6-3 Monday night on the road.

The Vancouver Canucks took a 3-2 lead into the third period against the Boston Bruins. Then Brad Marchand happened. The forward netted a hat trick in the final period of play, tying him with Sidney Crosby for the NHL lead in goals at 35.

Marchand scored just 58 seconds into the final frame, tying the game at 3. It came off an assist from David Pastrnak from behind the net. Marchand finished it off with a strong backhand shot.

https://twitter.com/NHLBruins/status/841506897568002049

Later in the period, Marchand made a play completely on his own. He was able to steal the puck, weave to the front of the net, and get a shot off for the score. It was an absolute beauty from the streaking Bruins winger.

The Boston Bruins though, were still not done. David Krejci netted a goal on assists from Pastrnak and Frank Vatrano for a 5-3 lead.

Marchand completed his third-period hat trick with an empty-netter.

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Marchand is now in elite company among the NHL leaderboards. He is tied with 35 goals with Crosby and is in the top five in points overall. He’s more than just an offensive player.

Brandon Share-Cohen from FanSided’s Causeway Crowd believes Marchand will get some first-place votes for the Hart Trophy.

"“While he’ll never get the full credit for his ability due to his questionable antics at times, there’s still no reason to believe he won’t garner some first-place votes for the Hart Trophy at season’s end. He’s come a long way from being a fourth-line player in his first season with the Bruins, and he’s developed into a true leader in the Bruins locker room.”"

Marchand is a legitimate contender for the award, and this hat trick certainly helped his case.

Goaltender Tuukka Rask also earned his 200th win tonight.

The Boston Bruins currently sit in 7th place in the Eastern Conference, four points ahead of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

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As it stands, the Bruins would face the Ottawa Senators in the opening round of the playoffs, but lots can change between now and then.