"Going to be out for blood": Brad Marchand doesn't mince his words while revealing competitive mindset for 4 Nations Face-Off

Brad Marchand is ready for another opportunity to represent his country. The 36-year-old from Halifax, Nova Scotia was one of the first six players named to team Canada's 4 Nations Face-Off roster. The other five Canadians named were Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Brayden Point. Elite company for Marchand to be classified among.

The Bruins winger was a major catalyst in Canada winning the World Cup of Hockey back in 2016. He racked up eight points (five goals, three assists) in six games, including the game-winning goal with 44 seconds remaining in the Finals against Team Europe. Marchand understands what it takes to win at the international level and cherishes those moments on the big stage.

While some hockey fans have questioned how much the players truly care about the upcoming tournament, Brad Marchand's comments put any of that to bed. Here is what Marchand had to say in his pregame media availability.

"It'll be nice not to get boo'd in Montreal. Guys are going to be out for blood. We're not out there as an exhibition match. You're going to be there to win," Marchand said.

Strong words from the Boston Bruins captain. His comments should excite fans for the opportunity to watch some of the NHL's best compete at the 4 Nations Face-Off in just over a month.

Brad Marchand has been heating up for the Boston Bruins

Brad Marchand has been very productive lately. He's amassed 14 points (seven goals, seven assists) in his last 14 games, good for a point-per-game production. This comes after somewhat of a slow start that saw Marchand record just 17 points (eight goals, nine assists) in his first 26 games. This modest start is why his season totals remain under a point-per-game at 31 points (15 goals, 16 assists) in 40 games.

Boston's captain's recent resurgence has been a key part of the Bruins' success since firing former head coach Jim Montgomery and promoting Joe Sacco. Boston who was sitting on the outside of the playoffs looking in at the time, now holds third place in the Atlantic division with a 20-16-4 record, good for 44 points.

Marchand and the Bruins face a difficult test tonight in Toronto against the Maple Leafs who welcome the return of their captain Auston Matthews. The puck drops on the matchup of division rivals at 7 p.m. EST, at Scotiabank Arena.