At 37 years old, Brad Marchand has returned to the Stanley Cup Final, this time with the Florida Panthers, decades after his earlier appearances with the Boston Bruins. Marchand first won the Stanley Cup at age 23 and played for it again at 25 and 31, but the current opportunity with the Panthers marks a significant moment late in his career that he intends to fully appreciate. His experience in the playoffs, now spanning over 1,274 games, has taught him the value of living in the moment rather than rushing through milestones.
Marchand’s Shift in Perspective: Embracing the Present
Reflecting on his lengthy career, Marchand revealed that some memories have faded or were once taken for granted. Now, understanding his career’s twilight, he is committed to savoring every second.
“It’s more like enjoying each day like, having fun when you come to the rink,”
Marchand said.
“It can be stressful when you start overthinking things, start looking ahead or the pressure sometimes you put on yourself. This time around, I’m coming to the rink every day and just having fun and trying to live in the moment. You know, not taking anything too seriously.”
Despite this relaxed approach to daily routines, Marchand remains intensely focused on the serious task ahead in the Stanley Cup Final, which begins Wednesday night in Edmonton where the Panthers will face the Oilers once again.
Setting the Stage for a High-Stakes Rematch
The Panthers and Edmonton Oilers met in last season’s playoff series, one that Florida clinched in seven games. A rematch was anticipated by fans, but few expected Marchand, a former Boston Bruins captain, to be part of the Panthers’ roster this time. The significance of Marchand’s presence has not been lost on him.
“You don’t get a lot of opportunities to be part of something like this,”
he acknowledged.
Marchand’s contributions remain critical to Florida’s success. The Panthers hold an 8-2 record in playoffs when Marchand registers a point, while their record drops to 4-3 when he does not. Similarly, Florida is 9-1 when Marchand plays more than 15 and a half minutes per game, compared to 3-4 when he does not. These statistics underscore his continued impact both on the ice and in leadership roles.
Leadership Style Praised by Panthers Coach Paul Maurice
Florida Panthers coach Paul Maurice highlighted Marchand’s unique approach to motivation and team spirit.
“Guys that are vocal and intense sometimes will get up and down your bench screaming at your bench, right? They just get so wired in the game and he never does that. It’s always positive,”
Maurice said.
“It’s always, ‘Stay in there, hang in there.’ … It’s bordering on legendary status at this point. He’s pumping their tires and he’s just, every day, excited. It’s his personality.”
Playful Personality Balances on-Ice Intensity
Off the ice, Marchand displays a lighter, more playful side that endears him to teammates and fans alike. A notable incident involved Marchand’s humorous claim that he ate a Dairy Queen dessert during a game intermission, which was later revealed to be a joke involving honey rather than the well-known Blizzard treat. Teammates often tease Marchand by shooting toy rats at him after games, continuing a Panthers tradition dating back to 1996. Marchand embraces the teasing warmly, even referring to it as a “family reunion,” a nod to his well-known “rat” nickname.
While he keeps things lighthearted off the ice, Marchand remains ready to engage fully when physical play or team support is required. This duality reflects his veteran savvy and commitment to his teammates during this critical Stanley Cup run.
Determined to Make the Most of This Stanley Cup Run
Marchand’s move to Florida at the trade deadline was unexpected but has positioned him well for this deep playoff journey. Now, he is determined not to let the opportunity pass without appreciation or effort.
“I may never get back this late in playoffs ever again in my career,”
he said.
“To be one of the last teams standing and being part of a great group of guys, these are memories that I want to remember and enjoy. I don’t remember some of the series that I played and I know that there’s moments that I missed out on or didn’t really appreciate because I was worried about other things or stressing about other things. I’m not going to do that to myself this time around.”
Looking Ahead to the Stanley Cup Final Rematch
As the Florida Panthers prepare to face the Edmonton Oilers again, the stage is set for an intense battle that tests Marchand’s experience and resolve. This series not only marks a unique twist in Marchand’s career but also highlights the resilience and depth of the Panthers’ roster, with Marchand’s leadership and skill playing a pivotal role. His commitment to enjoying each moment alongside pursuing victory signals that this Stanley Cup Final could be one of the most memorable chapters in his extensive career.