When the Florida Panthers picked up Brad Marchand from the Boston Bruins, it was a bit strange to see him in a different jersey at first. But soon enough, he really started to make a mark in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for his new team. In the first-round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning, he played a key role with two assists in the crucial Game 5 win, which helped the Panthers wrap up the series 4-1. His experience and playoff know-how have really strengthened Florida’s offensive depth as they move on to Round 2.
In Round 2, the Panthers are set to take on the Toronto Maple Leafs. If you’ve been following the NHL for a while, you probably know all about the history between this franchise and Brad Marchand. Marchand has really played a big role in the Bruins’ success against the Maple Leafs over the years. He’s been a key player in helping Boston win several playoff series, like in 2013, 2018, 2019, and even in 2024. His mix of offensive skills and clever tactics has really thrown a wrench in Toronto’s game, making him a key player in this ongoing rivalry.
After the Maple Leafs were knocked out in Round 1 back in 2024, former coach Sheldon Keefe shared his thoughts on Marchand’s on-ice tactics, saying, “He gets calls. It’s unbelievable, actually, how it goes. You’ve got to play through that stuff. I don’t think there’s another player in this series who gets away with taking out Bertuzzi’s legs the way that he does. It’s an art and he’s elite at it.”
Keefe shared his frustration about Marchand’s on-ice tactics while the forward was the Bruins captain during their first-round series. After losing Game 3 with a score of 4-2, Keefe pointed out a moment when Marchand seemed to take out Tyler Bertuzzi’s legs, and there was no penalty called.
Sheldon Keefe on Marchand: “He gets calls. It’s unbelievable, actually, how it goes. You’ve got to play through that stuff. I don’t think there’s another player in this series who gets away with taking out Bertuzzi’s legs the way that he does. It’s an art and he’s elite at it.”
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) April 25, 2024
That statement really highlights Marchand’s knack for mixing skill with a bit of gamesmanship. He has this way of getting under opponents’ skin by pushing the limits without getting penalized. But, there’s one more player who has some bad blood with the Maple Leafs.
He and Brad Marchand will be a mess for the Maple Leafs
Matthew Tkachuk has really become a tough opponent for the Toronto Maple Leafs, much like the way Brad Marchand has been. Marchand is well-known for his mix of skill and a bit of agitation, while Tkachuk offers a similar combo of offensive talent and physical play that really shakes things up for opponents.
During the 2023 playoffs, Tkachuk was a key player for the Florida Panthers in their series against the Maple Leafs. He racked up five assists in five games, with a memorable three-assist game in Game 1. He’s great at scoring and isn’t afraid to get physical, which makes him a real dual threat on the field. So, is history about to repeat itself again?
It’s tough to say for sure, but having both Marchand and Tkachuk on the same team going up against Toronto is definitely going to put the Maple Leafs players to the test. They’ll really need to watch out for the tactics their opponents bring to the ice.
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