HIGHLIGHTS
- Brad Marchand scored the OT winner for the Panthers on Friday
- Florida now trails 2-1 in this series against the Maple Leafs
- Find out below how Marchand made NHL history
Florida Panthers star Brad Marchand has been a clutch player his entire career, and that was once again the case in Game 3 against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Friday evening at Amerant Bank Arena.
With just under five minutes left in overtime with the game tied 4-4, the veteran beat Joseph Woll blocker side to cut this series to 2-1. In the process, Marchand became the NHL playoffs all-time leader in game-winning goals with 14, passing Evgeni Malkin and Ondrej Palat:
Here’s a look at the goal:
Marchand also has five career game-winning goals against Toronto. No matter the uniform, he’s still a Leafs killer. In fact, he has 12 goals and 21 assists in 31 playoff games against the Maple Leafs.
The 36-year-old is now up to a team-best eight points in these playoffs, including a pair of goals and six helpers. He’s been the perfect acquisition as the Panthers eye another Stanley Cup run.
But it wasn’t easy in Game 3. Florida trailed 3-1 early in the second period before storming back with three unanswered. Morgan Reilly eventually tied things up to send this contest to OT, where Marchand played hero.
“His work ethic, he’s hard on pucks, he’s tenacious,” said Florida teammate Sam Reinhart, via The Toronto Star. “Players like that shine at this time of year.”
Marchand’s only shot on goal in Game 3 went in. You love to see it. If he’s on your team, you love him, but if he’s not, Marchand is a pain in the behind.
The Panthers are undoubtedly happy to have him on their side, and hopefully, he can continue to haunt the Leafs as the defending champs look to make this a competitive series.
