Brad Marchand, who previously lifted the Stanley Cup with the Boston Bruins at age 23 and made subsequent Final appearances at 25 and 31, had moments where he questioned if he`d ever return to hockey`s ultimate stage.
Now, at 37 years old, he has achieved that goal, reaching the Final as a member of the Florida Panthers.
This time around, Marchand is focused on truly appreciating the experience.
Looking back on his extensive career of 1,274 games, including playoffs, Marchand admits some memories are hazy, and he feels he sometimes took moments for granted, not pausing long enough to fully absorb being there. He insists that won`t happen now, acutely aware that he is significantly closer to the conclusion of his playing days than the start.
“It`s more about enjoying each day, having fun when you come to the rink,” Marchand explained. “It can be stressful if you start overthinking or looking too far ahead, or due to the pressure you put on yourself. This time, I`m coming to the rink daily, just having fun, living in the moment, and trying not to take anything too seriously.”
Of course, that excludes the game itself.
Marchand maintains a deep seriousness when it comes to playing hockey. His concentration is sharp for the task ahead, which begins Wednesday night when the Panthers open the Stanley Cup Final against Edmonton. This series marks a rematch of last season`s Final, which Florida won in seven games. While a return clash wasn`t entirely unexpected, few would have anticipated that the former Boston captain would be playing for Florida in it.
“This is special,” Marchand commented. “You don`t get many chances to be part of something like this.”
Marchand`s influence on the Panthers is evident in their playoff record: they are 8-2 when he registers a point and 4-3 when he doesn`t. They boast a 9-1 record when he plays at least 15 and a half minutes, compared to 3-4 when he logs less ice time. It`s clear that, even at his age, he significantly impacts the team`s success through both his skill and leadership.
Panthers coach Paul Maurice highlighted Marchand`s consistently positive vocal presence. “Guys who are vocal and intense sometimes scream up and down the bench, right? They get so wrapped up in the game, but he never does that. It`s always positive,” Maurice said. “It`s always, `Stay with it, hang in there.` … It`s almost legendary at this point. He`s constantly encouraging his teammates, and he`s just excited every day. That`s just his personality.”
He also possesses a clear playful side.
Marchand famously turned a trip to Dairy Queen with teammates into a multi-day news item by humorously claiming he ate one of their desserts between periods of a game against Carolina. (He later clarified it was honey, not a Blizzard). Since his arrival in Florida, he`s been known for good-natured teasing of his teammates. He even happily participates in the Panthers` long-standing tradition (dating back to 1996) of throwing toy rats onto the ice after wins, a subtle acknowledgement of his own “rat” nickname, which he once playfully referred to as a “family reunion.”
