Brad Marchand helps Panthers reach the cup final and reflects on the surreal moment in Florida colors.
No one in Boston imagined it ending this way, Brad Marchand, after sixteen seasons with the Boston Bruins, now heading to the Stanley Cup Final with the Florida Panthers, and not just heading there, leading the charge.
Florida’s 4-2 win over the Carolina Hurricanes sealed the series, sending the Panthers to their third straight Final. But all eyes were on Marchand after the final horn.
The former Bruins captain stood by the glass, still in his gear, trying to put the moment into words.
I definitely didn’t expect to be here in this jersey, but I’m very happy I am.
Marchand made the call, and Bruins honored it
Compete again, and the Bruins front office respected that.
They sent him to Florida, not just as a favor, but as a parting gift for everything he gave the city.
He didn’t want a rebuild. He didn’t want a farewell tour. He wanted another banner.
It’s special. When you’ve been around for a while, you realize how few opportunities you have to be part of something like this. Just enjoying every moment. Grateful for the opportunity,
Marchand said.
At 36, Marchand still plays like someone who hasn’t accomplished enough.
His assist in Game 5 was more than a stat, it was a reminder that he’s still very much a difference-maker.
Florida’s core returns, but Marchand’s playoff poise adds more
The Panthers are built to win now.
They proved it last year and reinforced it with Marchand’s arrival.
As the team marches into another Final, his presence is already showing in the way they manage moments.
When you’ve been through it before and have gone all the way, you see the different way momentum swings can happen throughout a game and how you can take advantage of that,
he told reporters after the win.
This is what Florida was counting on.
A veteran who doesn’t just know how to play, he knows how to lead when everything’s on the line.
Their next test? A red-hot Edmonton Oilers squad that just put away Dallas in five. Marchand isn’t thinking about storylines or legacies. He’s focused on the task.
We haven’t accomplished anything yet, the toughest team we’re gonna face is coming up next.
If you don’t do the job there, you didn’t win anything.
We’re excited, but it’s just like any other round.
There’s a huge job to do moving forward and we have to prepare for that now.
he said.
Boston fans torn between heartbreak and pride
Bruins fans aren’t bitter, they’re conflicted.
Marchand was the soul of the team for over a decade. Watching him in another jersey was hard enough.
Seeing him thrive? That stings, but not because of anger.
This run proves Boston made the right call, as painful as it was. They gave Marchand what he asked for. And he’s making the most of it.
Win or lose in the Final, one thing’s clear: he’s not just playing out his career.
He’s still chasing something, and Bruins fans, deep down, know he deserves every second of it.
Bruins after dark 
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