'We carried on that moment': Brad Marchand marks leadership position as Florida Panthers reach Stanley Cup Final
The Florida Panthers booked their ticket to the 2025 Stanley Cup Final with a 5-3 victory against the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final. Down 2-0 early in the first period, the Florida Panthers came storming back with goals by Matthew Tkachuk, Evan Rodrigues, and Anton Lundell in the second period.
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Carter Verhaeghe delivered the game-winner in the third period, and Sam Bennett added insurance with an empty-netter.
Brad Marchand brings experience and toughness as Florida Panthers seek second-straight title
"It better hurt like hell today." 🐀 | Brad Marchand Game 5 Reaction | 5.28.25
Brad Marchand, who was picked up by the Florida Panthers from the Boston Bruins at the 2025 NHL trade deadline, is going back to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in six years. Though he was kept off the scoresheet in Game 5, the 37-year-old winger played a pivotal leadership role in a team full of talent and drive.
With veteran composure and playoff experience, Brad Marchand has become an outspoken leader on and off the ice for Florida, especially in high-pressure situations like those he faced in Game 5.
'We haven't accomplished anything yet. We carried on that moment, and we got to our game. We knew they were going to come out the way they did, and we knew all it took was one shot to get us back in it. We just had that belief. It was great we were able to pull it out,' explained Brad Marchand to media following the Carolina Hurricanes victory.
While Matthew Tkachuk led the charge back with a clinching second-period goal, Verhaeghe's game-winner and Bennett's final dagger ultimately propelled Florida to the Stanley Cup Final. They now await the Western Conference Final champion between the Dallas Stars and the Edmonton Oilers.
With the Florida Panthers only four wins away from potentially becoming Stanley Cup champions again, Brad Marchand's return gives them another edge in a series of high tension. Whether it is against Connor McDavid's Edmonton Oilers or the Dallas Stars, Marchand's know-how may prove to be the difference in the crucial situations that matter.
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