Trading for Brad Marchand during the NHL‘s deadline day has been one of the best decisions the Florida Panthers have made in recent years. That’s saying a lot for a franchise that is seemingly allergic to missing with their bold moves. The former Boston Bruins captain has played lights out in the Final against the Edmonton Oilers, as Florida is one win away from the Stanley Cup.
There is no stopping Marchand in the 2025 Stanley Cup Final. The forward is playing in the 16th season of his NHL career, yet he has arguably found his best version after arriving in Sunrise. However, he had always been known for elevating his game in the postseason. Thus, his recent performances with the Panthers should come as no surprise.
The 37-year-old veteran turns into a mischievous Tasmanian devil when in possession of the puck and given a slight inch of open ice. The Oilers are skimming through every handy book in the NHL, but to no avail. Edmonton simply has no answers for Marchand.
The stellar performances from Marchand are only one chapter of the whole story to this year’s Cup Final. Still, it perfectly explains why Florida is one win away from back-to-back championships. Marchand, however, is not putting much thought into his showings.
Brad Marchand #63 of the Florida Panthers skates against the Montreal Canadiens at Amerant Bank Arena on March 30, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida.
“I’ve said it a ton of times, we’re just enjoying the moment,” Marchand admitted, per ESPN. “It’s a special time, special memories we’re going to have forever. [We’re] not really nervous, just excited.“
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Price keeps going up
The psychology behind NHL players’ performances in contract years could fill volumes. But sometimes, a picture is worth a thousand words. Sam Bennett and Brad Marchand’s magical runs in this year’s Stanley Cup Playoffs serve as Exhibits A1 and A2.
Both Panthers stars, whose contracts expire on July 1st, scored in Game 5, continuing their red-hot form in the NHL. Bennett extended his point streak to six games, scoring his 15th goal of the postseason—13th on the road. Still, the former Calgary Flames centerman was left speechless by Marchand’s filthy brace.
Sam Bennett #9 of the Florida Panthers heads out for the game against the Carolina Hurricanes in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amerant Bank Arena on May 24, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida.
“I mean, they’re both unbelievable, but that second one, I don’t know how he did that,” Bennett said about Marchand’s goals in Game 5. “We’re going to have to watch that clip a couple times and ask him to teach me something.”
Drowning opponents in their scoring depth
While the Oilers rely mainly on their top lines featuring Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the Panthers have weapons on every single line. Edmonton is basically handed a ‘choose your poison’ type dilemma in every game, and it pays the price for it.
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Anybody can be the hero for the Panthers on any given night. Edmonton simply doesn’t have that element of surprise. Of course, having the best player in the NHL helps them out and gives them a shot no matter how big of a hole they dig themselves into.
If the Panthers wind up hoisting Lord Stanley, there will be a heated discussion on who should win the Conn Smythe Trophy—and for good reason. Nine players on the Cats’ lineup have 15+ points in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Meanwhile, only four Oilers have reached that quota, with Draisaitl and McDavid leading the pack with 33 points apiece.
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That number is as intriguing as it is concerning for the Oilers. If their dynamic duo has an off night, it usually spells out bad news for them. That is exactly what happened in Game 5, and it is what Edmonton cannot accept in Game 6 back at Amerant Bank Arena.
