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 a denying his particular capacity to crush Toronto’s hopes and desires. Whereas with the Bruins, Marchand helped beat the Maple Leafs 4 occasions within the playoffs. He continued that development on Sunday.
“I admire that,” Marchand mentioned. “I don’t take a look at it that manner.”
Marchand, who helped lead a stellar Florida third line, had eight factors — three targets and 5 assists — towards Toronto within the Panthers’ seven-game sequence win. He had three factors, together with an empty-net purpose, 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.
“Should 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 workforce and our groups have at all times been actually deep and good, and I used to be lucky sufficient to be part of a extremely, actually deep workforce right here proper now.”
There isn’t any love misplaced from Maple Leafs followers, who’ve showered Marchand with boos throughout this sequence. Marchand, who mentioned he grew up a Toronto fan, mentioned he doesn’t take himself too significantly and says he rolls with it.
“I believe 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 believe everyone that is aware of me — you guys have all seen — I work together with lots of followers, and I get pleasure from that a part of it.”
“I really like getting made enjoyable of,” Marchand added. “I really like making enjoyable of individuals. And when 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 really like Brad Marchand 🤣 pic.twitter.com/NQEcR0gvwJ
— Will Manso (@WillManso) Might 19, 2025
After Toronto’s loss — the newest in a protracted sequence of playoff losses that extends to the workforce’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 believe when you take a look at the warmth this workforce catches, it’s truly actually unlucky,” Marchand mentioned. “, they’ve been working at constructing one thing actually massive right here for some time, and so they have been a special model of hockey this yr, and so they get crucified, and I don’t suppose it’s justified.”