Brad Marchand remains defiant after injuring Timothy Liljegren

There are few better agitators in the National Hockey League than Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand, who has made a living getting under the skin of opponents ever since he made his debut in the 2010-11 season. 

Not only does he play a frustratingly physical game on the ice, but he also isn't shy about running his mouth both on and off the ice - especially when it comes to a rival. And with a key divisional rival next on the schedule, Marchand is doing what he can for his teammates to gain a mental edge.

However, he remains as defiant as ever when it comes to his take on his dangerous trip on Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren on November 2, which landed the latter on long term injured reserve with a high ankle sprain. Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe would blast his players after that particular game for their lack of response in defending their teammate - but according to Marchand, there was nothing to respond to. 

"There wasn't a response because it wasn't a bad play," he said. 

"That’s one of those things that happens quick in the moment," Marchand continued. Their coach is being emotional trying to get their players to be there for one another and that’s what good teams do.

"It’s just one of those things that happens fast in the game. You get tied up and you just try to battle for position on the puck. Things happen. Clearly that one wasn’t a big deal, they made it out as something. Unfortunately when you allow that stuff to leak to the media outside of the room it creates more drama than is necessary and that’s kind of what happened in that situation."

Folks, do you expect to see some fireworks tonight in what will be Boston and Toronto's first matchup since the Marchand-Liljegren incident a month ago? 

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