Nobody’s shining brighter in the Florida Panthers’ playoff run than Brad Marchand. Leading the team in points and boasting the best plus-minus, the former Boston captain is proving his worth as the Panthers face the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. As he geared up to celebrate his 37th birthday on Sunday during Game 4, which he celebrated with a win, Marchand’s not just winning on the ice—he’s winning over fans and teammates with his leadership and grit. Now he has some good things to say about the head coach, Paul Maurice!
After Florida’s Game 3 victory, head coach Paul Maurice didn’t mince words about the team’s early stumble, noting how they handed the lead to Toronto. Maurice’s message was clear: stay sharp, because in a high-stakes series like this, any slip-up could spell trouble. It’s a wake-up call not just for the players, but for everyone in Panther land—fans, staff, and all. With the series tied, the pressure’s on, and Maurice is steering the ship with a steady hand.
Brad Marchand, now thriving in Florida’s dressing room, couldn’t be happier playing under Maurice. “Yeah, he’s unbelievable,” Marchand said, grinning as he chatted with Biz and the boys. “You know, there’s a reason why. He’s one of the best coaches of all time. Just the message he portrays, and the way he gets across in the room, and the respect he demands, you know, in the room, on the bench. It’s pretty special playing for him.” For Marchand, who spent years battling Maurice’s teams, being coached by him is a front-row seat to greatness. “It’s been a lot of fun, great experience… pretty incredible when you get to play under a coach like that, up close and personal, and just see what makes him so great.”
Maurice, who took the Panthers’ helm on June 22, 2022, brings nearly three decades of NHL coaching experience. Before Florida, he led the Winnipeg Jets for nine seasons and had stints with the Hartford Whalers/Carolina Hurricanes and Toronto Maple Leafs. In his first year with Florida, he guided the team to the Prince of Wales Trophy and their first Stanley Cup Final win. Then, in 2024, he delivered the Panthers’ first-ever Stanley Cup, cementing his legacy with a 29-16 postseason record over two seasons.
THE BIRTHDAY BOY!
Brad Marchand gets the win on his 37th birthday and now he gets to chat with Biz and the boys as a gift pic.twitter.com/k8cbg9qBa0
— NHLonTNT (@NHL_On_TNT) May 12, 2025
Marchand’s arrival was a game-changer for the defending champs, who didn’t end the regular season on the highest note. But with him on board, the Panthers roared past Tampa Bay in Round 1 and are holding their own against Toronto. Sharing the locker room with Florida’s talented roster, Marchand’s all smiles, especially on his birthday, knowing he’s part of something special under Maurice’s leadership.
Brad Marchand: ‘feeling comfortable’ with Panthers’ playoffs
After 16 years of calling Boston home, Brad Marchand faced the bittersweet reality of leaving the Bruins when his contract expired. “It’s sad to leave a place I look at as home,” the 26-year-old Canadian winger shared back in March. But as the Florida Panthers welcomed him into their fold, Marchand has been lacing up his skates with a renewed sense of purpose—and it’s paying off big time in the playoffs.
The defending Stanley Cup champs knew they were getting a gem in Marchand, whose postseason pedigree is unmatched among players still in the hunt this year. With 146 playoff points, including a clutch overtime game-winner on Friday that tied him with Alex Ovechkin, Marchand’s experience is a game-changer. The Panthers, who didn’t exactly roar into the postseason with momentum, now find themselves thriving.
Settling into a new team mid-season is no small feat, but Marchand’s starting to feel the rhythm. “It wasn’t really until close to playoffs,” he admitted. “The last two games of the season, I started feeling a little bit more comfortable.” The timing couldn’t have been better. With the Panthers’ lineup finally healthy, Marchand’s been syncing up with his new teammates, building chemistry that’s clicking at just the right moment.
From navigating line shuffles to adjusting to a new routine, Marchand has embraced the challenge. “Once the playoffs hit, we were able to start building that chemistry with the group,” he said, clearly energized by the surrounding talent. As the Panthers push deeper into the postseason, Marchand’s not just fitting in—he’s proving why he’s one of the game’s brightest stars.
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