Only a few months into his time as a member of the Florida Panthers, Brad Marchand already has a signature moment. While it’s still strange for some to see the former Boston Bruins captain trying to help the Panthers repeat as Stanley Cup champions, he certainly ingratiated himself with his new fan base by scoring the game-winner in overtime on Friday night.
With their backs against the wall and trying to avoid the dreaded 0-3 series hole, the Panthers picked up their first win of their second-round series against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
After allowing the Maple Leafs to tie the game at four midway through the third period and then failing to get back out in front again, Florida was on the verge of devastation in overtime. That was until Marchand fired a shot toward the net 15:27 into the overtime period.
Marchand’s shot then bounced off Morgan Rielly and behind Maple Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll to secure the 5-4 win for the Panthers.
Marchand’s game-winner triggered an eruption from the crowd at Florida’s Amerant Bank Arena. And on the ice, Marchand’s teammates crowded around their former rival to celebrate the playoff win.
