Context: 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs
Brad Marchand wasted no time making his presence known in the Eastern Conference Final series opener. The veteran forward for the Florida Panthers was assessed a game misconduct penalty late in the third period of Tuesday night`s contest against the Carolina Hurricanes.
The incident that led to the penalty involved Hurricanes defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere. It began when Marchand took a run at Gostisbehere, who was battling for the puck in his own end, in what appeared to be an attempt at a late hit.
Although no penalty was called immediately for the hit attempt, Gostisbehere retaliated moments later by physically engaging Marchand. Marchand then quickly confronted the 11-year NHL veteran, and the two briefly exchanged blows while Florida held a significant 4-1 lead.
Officials intervened and assessed penalties to both players. Gostisbehere received a two-minute minor penalty for roughing. Marchand, however, was handed a more severe penalty: a four-minute minor for roughing alongside a 10-minute game misconduct, resulting in his ejection for the remainder of the game.
Panthers head coach Paul Maurice later addressed the media post-game, discussing the challenges posed by the Carolina Hurricanes and offering his perspective on Marchand`s ejection during the third period skirmish with Gostisbehere.
