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Behind the Bench: Paul Maurice's Touching Message to Panthers Players Surfaces Online

Originally posted on Blade of Steel
By Graham Montgomery | Last updated Jun 20, 2025 10:52 AM ET

Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice rewarded his fourth line of AJ Greer, Jonah Gadjovich, and Tomas Nosek during game six of the Stanley Cup final as has since been revealed in a new video from the game.

The Florida Panthers have quickly become the best team in the NHL after winning back-to-back championships and making three consecutive finals appearances.

A big part of the team's success came due to their incredible depth in their forward core.

The team had six forwards hit the 20-point mark with Eetu Luostarinen and Anton Lundell just missing that mark with 19 and 18 points, respectively.

The club essentially had a top line and two second lines in terms of productivity.

Then there was the fourth line. Of course, there were lineup changes throughout the playoffs, but generally that line consisted of AJ Greer, Jonah Gadjovich, and Tomas Nosek.

Combined, the three forwards had just nine points during the entire playoffs, but Paul Maurice wanted to reward them for doing their part to get the team their second championship in as many years.

Now a video taken from just moments before the final buzzer in game six has been revealed, showing us exactly what Maurice said to these players before the end of the game.

Of course, Maurice was referring to a goal scored on a shot by Tomas Nosek, deflected by Jonah Gadjovich late in the 2nd period of game three of the second round against the Maple Leafs.

The Panthers were down 3-1 at the start of that period, but rallied back with goals from Sam Reinhart, Carter Verhaeghe, and then of course, by Gadjovich for the lead.

Toronto would eventually tie the game in the third period, but Brad Marchand would score the overtime winner to prevent the dreaded 0-3 series deficit.

Marchand would continue to play a crucial role for the Panthers throughout the rest of the playoffs, especially in the Finals where he had five goals including two game winners.

That being said, the 37-year-old did take a lot of criticism from fans for questionable remarks after the final game of the series.

It is highly unlikely Marchand cares what any fan has to say about him at this point though as he just secured his second Stanley Cup ring, and has an opportunity to end his career with one of the best teams in the league.

Considering the Panther's impressive depth and arguably league-best coaching, there is every reason to believe this may not be the last time any of these Panthers players get a chance to have their name etched on the Stanley Cup, including those fourth liners Paul Maurice praised so much in game six.

This article first appeared on Blade of Steel and was syndicated with permission.

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