Brad Marchand believes Bruins showed critics wrong this season

Despite losing key players such as Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci, the Boston Bruins advanced further than they did previous season.

But, did the Bruins outperform, underperform, or simply meet expectations this season?

Brad Marchand, the Bruins captain, had a clear response to that question as he pondered on Boston’s season-ending loss to the Florida Panthers in Game 6 on Friday night at TD Garden.

“I really can’t even put into words how proud I am of this group,” remarked Marchand. “Everyone wrote us off at the outset of the season, saying we wouldn’t even make the playoffs, despite the fact that we were one of the league’s best teams.

“We had a lot of new individuals and different jobs. And then the men came in, and we created something extraordinary. Begin in the room and move onto the ice. We had a few hiccups along the way, but I couldn’t be prouder of the lads from start to end.”

The Bruins concluded the regular season with a 47-20-15 record and 109 points, just five points behind the New York Rangers for the league lead, before winning a seven-game series against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

But it was difficult to find solace in that after Boston dropped its seventh playoff game on home ice in the last two seasons. Marchand called the Panthers’ outcome “disappointing,” believing the Bruins still had more to give in their Stanley Cup playoff run.

But Marchand refused to allow Boston’s finish detract from a season in which he saw improvement not just in himself, but also in many of his teammates.

“Just seeing different guys flourish in different roles and the stories that came from the season,” added Marchand. “Mason (Lohrei) was one of our finest defensemen by the end of the season. Justin Brazeau’s one-way contract in the American League has pretty much guaranteed him a seat for next year. I could go on and on. I’m really proud of every guy in this room.

“Not only are they good players, but they are also great people. That’s what makes going to the rink so enjoyable every day: who we get to hang out with, who we get to play with, and who you’re all with. So, it was a memorable year.”