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Brad Marchand's OT goal gives him a signature moment
Florida Panthers center Brad Marchand (63) moves the puck against the Toronto Maple Leafs during overtime in game three of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amerant Bank Arena. Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Brad Marchand's playoff OT goal gives him a signature moment with Panthers 

Only a few months into his time as a member of the Florida Panthers, Brad Marchand already has a signature moment. While it's still strange for some to see the former Boston Bruins captain trying to help the Panthers repeat as Stanley Cup champions, he certainly ingratiated himself with his new fan base by scoring the game-winner in overtime on Friday night.  

With their backs against the wall and trying to avoid the dreaded 0-3 series hole, the Panthers picked up their first win of their second-round series against the Toronto Maple Leafs. 

After allowing the Maple Leafs to tie the game at four midway through the third period and then failing to get back out in front again, Florida was on the verge of devastation in overtime. That was until Marchand fired a shot toward the net 15:27 into the overtime period. 

Marchand's shot then bounced off Morgan Rielly and behind Maple Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll to secure the 5-4 win for the Panthers. 

Marchand's game-winner triggered an eruption from the crowd at Florida's Amerant Bank Arena. And on the ice, Marchand's teammates crowded around their former rival to celebrate the playoff win.

The goal was Marchand's second of the series — he also scored in Florida's Game 2 loss on Wednesday. Marchand now has four points so far in the second round and a total of eight overall in the playoffs. He failed to score during the Panthers' five-game series win over Tampa Bay, but did record four assists. 

In a surprising turn of events, the Bruins shipped Marchand off to Florida, who eliminated Boston each of the past two years, at the NHL Trade Deadline on March 7. The move ended Marchand's 16-year tenure with Boston. 

Marchand scored two goals and added two assists in 10 regular-season games following the trade with the Panthers. 

Even though the Panthers are coming off back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances, Marchand has experienced more deep postseason runs than anyone else on his team. He's reached the Stanley Cup Final three times and lifted hockey's holy grail once throughout his career. 

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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