SUNRISE, Fla. — In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Brad Marchand scored his first goal for the Florida Panthers, marking a significant milestone in his career as he transitioned from the Boston Bruins. The Panthers celebrated a convincing 4-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday night, April 10, 2025, at Amerant Bank Arena, where Marchand's goal added to the excitement of the evening.
Marchand, who was acquired by the Panthers at the NHL trade deadline on March 7, 2025, found the back of the net in the second period, giving Florida a 3-1 lead. This goal was particularly special for Marchand, as it was the first time in his NHL career that he scored for a team other than the Bruins, a franchise he had been with for over 15 seasons. The crowd erupted in cheers as his goal was announced, celebrating what was his "22nd of the season and first as a Florida Panther."
Teammate Evan Rodrigues humorously remarked on Marchand’s goal, saying, "He's a rat. Yeah, I wasn't too happy." Marchand, quick to respond, joked back, "He's not wrong. I've hated him. We skated together in the summer and I've hated him for a long time, so that's not going to change now." This playful exchange highlighted Marchand's charismatic presence in the Panthers' locker room, a quality that coach Paul Maurice emphasized as crucial as the team gears up for the playoffs.
Marchand's goal capped a three-goal second period for the Panthers, who are currently fighting for playoff positioning in the Atlantic Division. The victory brought Florida's points total to 96, placing them just one point behind the Tampa Bay Lightning and four points back of the Toronto Maple Leafs, who lead the division. With only a few games left in the regular season, every point is vital as the Panthers aim to secure home-ice advantage in the playoffs.
In the game, Marchand received a precise pass from Uvis Balinskis, maneuvering through two Red Wings defenders before unleashing a wrist shot that beat goalie Cam Talbot. His goal was not only a personal achievement but also a testament to the chemistry building within the Panthers’ lineup. Marchand's performance has been a welcome addition, as he previously recorded two assists in his first seven games with Florida, including a key assist in his debut that set up an overtime winner by Sam Bennett.
Marchand's scoring prowess has been well-documented throughout his career, having netted 422 goals and accumulated 554 assists in 1,090 games with the Bruins. His experience and leadership are invaluable assets to the Panthers, especially as they prepare to defend their Stanley Cup title. "I'm just enjoying this whole journey," Marchand shared after the game. "It's such a unique experience for myself, and I've been part of really good teams that have accomplished big things and some that haven't. Regardless, what you realize is that these opportunities are very few and far between, and you've got to enjoy every day in this league. And I'm having a lot of fun right now."
The Panthers' victory was also notable for other reasons. Aleksander Barkov, another key player, scored his 20th goal of the season, marking his tenth consecutive season hitting that milestone. Defensemen Gustav Forsling and Uvis Balinskis each recorded two assists, contributing to Florida's offensive efforts. In total, the Panthers’ defensemen accounted for six points in the game, showcasing the depth and versatility of the team.
Despite the loss, the Red Wings managed to score through Alex DeBrincat, who leads his team with 36 goals this season. Cam Talbot provided solid goaltending, making 27 saves, but it was not enough to keep the Panthers at bay. The Red Wings now find themselves eight points out of a wild card spot, facing a tough road ahead as the season winds down.
As the Panthers continue to build momentum, Marchand's integration into the team appears seamless. His ability to contribute on the ice while bringing a spirited attitude to the locker room will be essential as the team approaches the postseason. Marchand's first goal for Florida may just be the spark that ignites a successful playoff run for the reigning champions.
With just a few games remaining in the regular season, the Panthers are poised to make a strong push for the playoffs. As they look to solidify their position in the standings, fans can expect to see more of Marchand's dynamic play and infectious energy. The excitement is palpable as Florida prepares to defend its title and chase another Stanley Cup victory.
