Marchand Readies for Playoffs with Panthers Against Lightning

TAMPA, Florida — Brad Marchand is gearing up to make his playoff debut with the Florida Panthers as they prepare to face the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Eastern Conference First Round. Game 1 is set for Tuesday, April 22, at Amalie Arena.

Transferring from the Boston Bruins, where he spent his entire 14-year career, Marchand has experienced the challenge of fitting into his new team amidst fierce rivalries. He shared a lighthearted moment with team defenseman Aaron Ekblad, recalling their awkward first handshake as rivals turned teammates, highlighting the “weird” transition.

Marchand, who was traded to Florida just before the NHL Trade Deadline on March 7, has played 10 games with the Panthers, contributing two goals and two assists. He still finds himself blending references between his old team and his current one.

“I’m vocal in the room, on the bench. I’ll be just me,” Marchand stated, emphasizing his intent to remain true to his playing style without changing to fit in. Forward Sam Reinhart noted the importance of Marchand’s experience, explaining, “He has been there every year in his career and is someone you talk about being built for this time of year.”

Marchand is entering his 13th playoff season, ready to push his new team towards potentially lifting the Stanley Cup again. After achieving that goal with the Bruins in 2011, he aspires to replicate the victory with the Panthers this year.

Barkov captured the essence of the rivalry by acknowledging the significance of the matchup for the state of Florida. “It’s good for hockey,” he said. The Lightning and Panthers have faced each other multiple times in the playoffs, keeping their competition alive and fierce.

This first-round series shows promise given the talents on both teams. Each squad won 47 games this season and has potent scoring threats, including Nikita Kucherov and Matthew Tkachuk. Tampa Bay hopes to leverage home-ice advantage stemming from their slightly better record.

“There’s nothing that [Maurice] doesn’t know about us, and I don’t know about them. There’s no secrets,” Lightning head coach Jon Cooper mentioned, setting expectations for an intense, high-stakes series.

Marchand aims to retain his competitive edge while transitioning into a leadership role among younger teammates without the captain’s burden he previously carried in Boston. “I feel a lot of weight lifted off my shoulders,” he said. As the playoffs start, both teams bring deep rosters poised for a thrilling contest.