Babcock: Marchand 'a bit of a pain in the butt, but I like him here'

Context is everything.

Following Canada's win over the Czech Republic on Saturday, head coach Mike Babock sang the praises of winger Brad Marchand, something he'll likely be reticent to do when the NHL regular season begins.

"Marchy is a good man, a good kid," Babcock told reporters. "Obviously has developed into a real good player. He plays with great speed and creates turnovers for those guys, and with tenacity. The only time he ever gets in trouble is when he tries to do too much. He's an important player for us, playing real well in the penalty kill and playing real well even strength.

"When he was with the Bruins, he's a bit of a pain in the butt, but I like him here."

Marchand has been deployed on a line with Sidney Crosby and Boston teammate Patrice Bergeron at the World Cup, and the results have been magical.

Both Marchand and Crosby recorded a goal and two assists in the win over the Czechs, good for a share of the team lead in points.

It's true what they say: on-ice production does make the heart grow fonder.