In a recent practice, Boston Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery had an intriguing lineup move. He placed 19-year-old Matt Poitras as the center between Bruins captain Brad Marchand and winger Trent Frederic, all in preparation for the team's preseason home finale against the Washington Capitals.
After the practice, Marchand had some high praise for Poitras, commending the young center's abilities on both ends of the ice:
Upon hearing Marchand's compliments, Poitras couldn't hide his excitement, considering it a significant compliment from a veteran player like Marchand,
Marchand, at 35, with a wealth of experience, also shared some wisdom. He emphasized the need for consistency and acknowledged the challenge of playing on consecutive nights, which is a crucial test for young players aiming to reach the next level. Despite the challenges, Marchand expressed confidence in Poitras' potential, believing the young player has a bright future ahead.