How Ex-Bruins Captain Brad Marchand Fared In Panthers Debut
Boston Bruins fans still probably did a double take when Brad Marchand took the ice in new colors for the first time in his NHL career.
Marchand returned from an upper-body injury to debut for the Florida Panthers after the trade deadline deal that brought his time with the Bruins to a close (for now).
Check out Marchand’s first pregame warmup with Florida here.
“It’s been a weird feeling being around the group and not playing,” Marchand told Katie Engelson pregame. “It’s really huge to be acquainted with the guys and be a part of the group and be out there with them playing games.”
Marchand stayed around the team and had taken the ice in practice leading up to his debut. After this team ended Marchand’s playoff runs with the Bruins in each of the last two years, he joined his new linemates Friday.
“It’s such an incredible group of guys, very welcoming,” Marchand added.
The Panthers defeated Utah Hockey Club with a 2-1 overtime win in Marchand’s debut. The longtime Bruin tallied three shots with a pair of blocked in the victory for Florida.
Marchand’s greatest impact came in overtime when he earned the game-winning assist on a feed to his foe-turned-friend Sam Bennett to net the deciding goal in overtime.
The veteran forward joins in the final weeks of the season before the Panthers start their postseason path to defending their crown as reigning Stanley Cup champions.