How does Brad Marchand's Stanley Cup Finals performance stack up with other Miami stars?
As the Panthers try to fend off the Edmonton Oilers, Brad Marchand made history as the first player to score five goals in two separate NHL Finals series with different teams.
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It got us thinking: Who are the athlete's with the best finals performance in South Florida history?
Let's take a look at a few players:
Brad Marchand, Florida Panthers - 2025 Stanley Cup Finals
Brad Marchand #63 of the Florida Panthers react during the first period against the Edmonton Oilers in Game Three of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena on June 09, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida.
A history maker for the Panthers, Brad Marchand has the Florida Panthers one game away from repeating as Stanley Cup champions.
He scored two goals in Game 5, bringing his total to five goals in the NHL Finals. It marks the second time he's scored five goals in a finals, doing so as a member of the Boston Bruins as well.
It's a feat that's never been accomplished by a single player for two separate teams.
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Time will tell if he'll make any more history as Game 6 rolls around.
Dwayne Wade, Miami Heat - 2006 NBA Finals
Before "Wade County" was known, a young Dwayne Wade helped rally the Miami Heat from a 2-0 deficit in the 2006 NBA Finals.
Wade averaged 34.7 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists during the finals, winning MVP behind his strong efforts. He averaged 39.25 in the last four games of the series, effectively sweeping the Dallas Mavericks after falling behind by two games.
Fast forward to present day and Wade's legacy is commemorated with a statue and a history that'll never be forgotten in the minds of Heat fans.
Josh Beckett, Florida Marlins - 2003 World Series
SAN FRANSISCO - SEPTEMBER 30: Josh Beckett #21 of the Florida Marlins throws a pitch during the first inning of Game 1 of the NLDS against the San Fransisco Giants on September 30, 2003 at Pacific Bell Park in San Fransisco, California. (Photo by)
Josh Beckett came up big as the Florida Marlins defeated the New York Yankees in the 2003 World Series.
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Beckett had an ERA of 1.1 with 19 strikeouts in two appearances during the series. His big time play in Game 6 helped get the Marlins the win.
He had a five-hit shutout with nine strikeouts and earned World Series MVP for his efforts.
Jake Scott, Miami Dolphins - Super Bowl VII
Jan 14, 1973; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Miami Dolphins safety Jake Scott (13) against the Washington Redskins in Super Bowl VII at the Los Angeles Coliseum. The Dolphins defeated the Redskins 14-7 completing a 17-0 undefeated season. Mandatory Credit: Darryl Norenberg-USA TODAY Sports
Jake Scott recorded two interceptions during Super Bowl VII to help the Miami Dolphins complete a perfect season.
Scott's interceptions helped the Dolphins record a 17-0 undefeated season as the Dolphins beat the Washington Redskins 14-7.
Scott has the most interceptions in franchise history with 35.
Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat - 2020 NBA Finals
Sep 17, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) dribbles against the Boston Celtics during the fourth quarter in game two of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jimmy Butler delivered a heroic performance in the 2020 NBA Finals, averaging 26.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, 9.8 assists and 2.2 steals while playing 43 nights a game.
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He logged an impressive 40-11-13 game in Game 3 to keep Miami from going down 3-0 to the Lakers and added 35-12-11 in Game 5 to keep the series alive.
He played himself to exhaustion, only scoring 12 points in 45 minutes in Game 6 as the Lakers won the series 4-2.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami athletes with the best Finals performances?
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