TORONTO — After the Panthers wrapped up tinheritor 6-1, Sport 7 blowout of the Maple Leafs, a reporter requested Florida veteran Brad Marchand about being the Maple Leafs’ “executioner.”
Marchand demurred on that time period, however there isn’t any denying his particular skill to crush Toronto’s hopes and goals. Whereas with the Bruins, Marchand helped beat the Maple Leafs 4 occasions within the playoffs. He continued that pattern on Sunday.
“I admire that,” Marchand mentioned. “I don’t take a look at it that means.”
Marchand, who helped lead a stellar Florida third line, had eight factors — three objectives and 5 assists — towards Toronto within the Panthers’ seven-game collection win. He had three factors, together with an empty-net aim, in Sport 7. He performed effectively within the win, however he mentioned traditionally, he has not at all times performed effectively towards Toronto. Marchand has 37 profession playoff factors towards the Maple Leafs.
“In case you truly simply type of traditionally take a look at the video games, I didn’t play effectively,” Marchand mentioned. “It wasn’t me that beat them. It was our crew and our groups have at all times been actually deep and good, and I used to be lucky sufficient to be part of a very, actually deep crew right here proper now.”
There isn’t a love misplaced from Maple Leafs followers, who’ve showered Marchand with boos throughout this collection. Marchand, who mentioned he grew up a Toronto fan, mentioned he doesn’t take himself too severely and says he rolls with it.
“I feel the factor with Toronto is the followers are very in your face,” Marchand mentioned. “… They allow you to hear it on a regular basis, and it’s simply enjoyable to work together. I feel all people that is aware of me — you guys have all seen — I work together with loads of followers, and I take pleasure in that a part of it.”
“I like getting made enjoyable of,” Marchand added. “I like making enjoyable of individuals. And in case you can’t take it, then so be it. However I can, so I’m going benefit from the moments that I’ve.”
After the sport, Marchand trolled TNT analyst, former NHL participant and famous Toronto fan Paul Bissonnette.
“We simply had the assumption,” mentioned Marchand, emphasizing the second syllable of perception to make it sound like “be-leaf,” a Toronto fan slogan.
I like Brad Marchand 🤣 pic.twitter.com/NQEcR0gvwJ
— Will Manso (@WillManso) Might 19, 2025
After Toronto’s loss — the most recent in a protracted collection of playoff losses that extends to the crew’s final Stanley Cup win in 1967 — Marchand confirmed some compassion for his long-time nemeses, who have been booed mercilessly by the hometown crowd.
“I feel in case you take a look at the warmth this crew catches, it’s truly actually unlucky,” Marchand mentioned. “You understand, they’ve been working at constructing one thing actually huge right here for some time, and so they have been a unique model of hockey this 12 months, and so they get crucified, and I don’t assume it’s justified.”
