Watch: Brad Marchand, Sam Bennett Team Up for OT Game-Winning Goal in Panthers Debut

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Spencer Garrett Ostrow | Last updated Mar 28, 2025 10:13 PM ET

Longtime Boston Bruins star Brad Marchand made his debut with the Florida Panthers on Friday night, marking his first game since being traded at the NHL trade deadline.

Although he had been practicing with his new team, Marchand hadn’t played in a game since March 1 due to an upper-body injury.

The Panthers hosted the Utah Hockey Club, looking to pick up two huge points in the battle for the Atlantic Division. Florida struck first in the second period, thanks to a Sam Bennett power-play goal. However, Utah's Sean Durzi answered with a goal of his own early in the third period.

The game remained scoreless and headed to overtime. In the extra frame, Bennett and Marchand hit the ice together for the three-on-three action after playing on the same line in regulation.

With under a minute left, Marchand delivered a perfect feed from behind the net, and Bennett buried the game-winner with a backhand finish.

SAM BENNETT TUCKS HOME BRAD MARCHAND'S PASS FOR THE OVERTIME WINNER!#TimeToHunt pic.twitter.com/SUycfxtEO9
— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) March 29, 2025

The two players have built a rivalry over the last couple of NHL playoffs. The Panthers knocked out the Bruins both times, and during last season's series, Bennett inadvertently caught Marchand in the jaw. As a result, Marchand was forced to miss two games.

Despite later teaming up for Team Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, there was plenty of anticipation to see how they’d mesh as teammates on the Panthers.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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