After 14 years, Brad Marchand once again held the Stanley Cup, this time as a member of the Florida Panthers. The Panthers clinched their second straight championship with a commanding 5-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 6.
For Marchand, who previously won with the Boston Bruins in 2011, the win came with a deeper sense of appreciation. Reflecting on the journey, he acknowledged the many variables that need to align to achieve such success, emphasizing the improbability of his own story and the gratitude he felt for the opportunity.
At 37, Marchand proved to be an essential component of Florida’s playoff success. He tallied 10 goals and 10 assists in 23 games and posted a plus-17 rating, playing alongside Anton Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen.
Even though he didn’t score in Game 6, his six goals in the Finals—two of them game-winners—underscored his enduring ability to perform in high-stakes situations. Former teammate Shawn Thornton praised Marchand’s consistent clutch performances, highlighting that age hasn’t hindered his game.
From Fierce Rival To Trusted Leader Marchand Embraces Panthers Culture And Championship Journey
Marchand’s arrival in Florida came after 16 seasons with the Bruins, with his trade marking a dramatic shift, especially since the Panthers had eliminated Boston in the last two postseasons. The story took a remarkable twist, as he ended up celebrating the Cup with former rivals like Sam Bennett, who once injured him in the playoffs.
Despite their history, Bennett credited Marchand’s leadership and competitive spirit as instrumental to their championship run, even suggesting Marchand could have won the Conn Smythe Trophy.
Brad Marchand Caps Storybook Trade With Second Stanley Cup as Panthers Repeat Over OilersMarchand’s successful transition from enemy to integral teammate reflected the Panthers’ strong team chemistry. He spoke of how quickly he bonded with the group, praising the culture that welcomed newcomers.
Panthers GM Bill Zito echoed these sentiments, noting that Marchand’s off-ice contributions were just as valuable as his performance on the ice. His integration was so seamless that teammates couldn’t distinguish him from long-standing members of the roster.
Rats, Goals, and Glory: Panthers Cement Dynasty with Unity and Dominant Game 6
Marchand not only fit in but became part of the Panthers’ quirky traditions. One notable example: players would shoot or toss the iconic plastic rats at him after wins—a playful nod to team history and camaraderie. Even during the Stanley Cup celebration, Sam Reinhart threw a rat at Marchand as he kissed the trophy. The moment reflected not just victory, but deep bonds formed over a short but meaningful journey.
Florida’s Game 6 win was a showcase of dominance from start to finish. Sam Reinhart scored four goals—including two into empty nets—while Sergei Bobrovsky stood tall in goal. The Panthers controlled early periods throughout the series, outscoring the Oilers 9-0 in first periods of the final four games.
Their victory marked the first time a team repeated as champions against the same opponent since the Canadiens in the late ’70s. As Matthew Tkachuk put it bluntly, with three straight trips to the Final and back-to-back titles, “Hell, yeah,” the Panthers are a dynasty.
