'2006, The rules changed' — The secret behind Brad Marchand's playoff success, as per HC Paul Maurice
2006 NHL rule change helping Brad Marchand defy age and dominate playoffs (Image via: Getty Images)
At 37, most NHL players are preparing for retirement. Brad Marchand, however, is leading a Stanley Cup Final charge with the energy and precision of a man ten years younger. His clutch Game 2 double-overtime shorthanded goal for the Florida Panthers wasn't just a highlight, it sparked a conversation about longevity in today's NHL.
And Panthers head coach Paul Maurice may have just given fans the reason why.
A rule that changed the game and extended careers
In his post-game comments, Paul Maurice pointed to a pivotal moment in hockey history: the 2006 NHL rule changes implemented after the season-long lockout. 'These men now that have come into the league, probably post-2000… The fitness level, the sports science that goes into it is just completely different than when I started,' Maurice said.
But then came the bombshell: '2006, the rules changed. So, younger, skilled players could play early.
'
Prior to 2006, offensive passes that crossed both the defensive blue line and the red line were illegal unless touched. The rule made for slower, grittier, and more physically taxing hockey, often shortening careers. But once scrapped, the game opened up. Speed and skill began to take precedence over brute force.
And veterans like Marchand adapted and thrived.
"[Brad Marchand] is a unique human." | Paul Maurice SCF Game 2 Reaction | 6.6.25
Brad Marchand isn't just surviving in this faster NHL, he's dominating it. With 17 playoff points so far, including seven goals, he's tied with Florida stars Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk. More impressively, Marchand is proving invaluable in clutch moments, becoming a postseason standout despite his age.
After a rollercoaster final season in Boston, contract standoffs, and a controversial trade to divisional rivals Florida, it seemed like Marchand might fade into the background.
Instead, he's become a central figure in Florida's playoff run.
A combination of rule changes, advanced training, and a shift in how the NHL is played has created an environment where experience can now be an asset, not a liability.
Also Read:
Sergei Bobrovsky becomes first goalie in NHL history with back-to-back 40-save games; proof that Flyers gave up too soon
Marchand's resurgence isn't just a personal comeback. It may be a sign that the NHL's modern era isn't just built for youth but for veterans who've learned how to adapt. As Paul Maurice put it best, 'He is truly a unique human… He's a beauty.'
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