Following the Florida Panthers’ Stanley Cup victory in 2025, Brad Marchand once again showcased why he is regarded as the ultimate NHL social media troll. Known for his sharp wit and relentless mental games, Marchand took to Instagram to poke fun at the Calgary Flames, thanking them sarcastically after the Panthers clinched the championship. This move underscored his ability to combine winning on the ice with keeping tensions high off it, especially across NHL social media platforms.
Marchand’s Taunts Extend from Multiple Teams to Oilers’ Jake Walman
After targeting 19 NHL teams who had traded players to the Panthers, Marchand shifted his focus to the Edmonton Oilers’ Jake Walman. The incident in question occurred during overtime of Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, where the Panthers faced the Oilers. The game was tied 3-3 deep into extra time when Walman was captured laughing at Panthers forward Tomas Nosek, who was wearing jersey No. 92. A social media account named ‘Barkov Memes’ posted a screenshot of the moment, prompting Marchand to comment,
“Think he’s still laughing?”
—Brad Marchand, Florida Panthers forward.
The Context Behind Walman’s Laugh and the Panthers’ Response
Shortly after Walman’s display of mockery during overtime, Nosek made a costly error, sending the puck out of play and causing a delay of game penalty. This miscue contributed to the Panthers’ losing Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. In a show of frustration, Walman confronted Nosek and laughed in his face, attempting to unsettle his opponent. However, the Panthers rebounded to win the Stanley Cup later in the series, making Walman’s taunt appear hollow in hindsight as Marchand continued to escalate the mind games.
How Marchand’s Mind Games Impact the NHL Landscape
Brad Marchand’s blend of on-ice skill, psychological tactics, and online trolling exemplifies a modern approach to competition. His ability to pressure opponents into mistakes while engaging fans with bold social media posts demonstrates his influence beyond gameplay. This ongoing clash with Jake Walman highlights how mental battles now play a crucial role in NHL playoff narratives, adding a new dimension to rivalry and sportsmanship.
What to Watch for Next in the Stanley Cup Playoff Rivalries
As the Stanley Cup Final series progresses, Marchand’s sharp commentary and trolling will likely continue to raise the stakes within the NHL community. His interactions with players like Walman offer insight into how social media amplifies competitive intensity in professional hockey. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these mind games develop and whether they influence the outcome of upcoming matches.