Introduction to Brad Marchand
Brad Marchand is many things. Sarcastic, most definitely. A pest on the ice, absolutely. Someone who doesn’t mind a little bonus physicality, goes without saying. His “little ball of hate” nickname even got repeated once by President Barack Obama.
The Perception of Brad Marchand
The Florida Panthers knew all of this when they acquired him. And then they learned something else. Marchand is … likeable? “Good person and fun to be around,” Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad said. “Great poker player as well.” The Toronto Maple Leafs probably believe that. To use the poker term, they’ve been all-in against Marchand a few times at playoff time and always lost.
Rivalry with the Toronto Maple Leafs
One of hockey’s best rivalries — Toronto fans vs. Marchand — resumes Monday night, when the Maple Leafs host the Panthers in Game 1 of an Eastern Conference second-round series. He tends to be booed whenever he touches the puck in Toronto, the fans there remembering how their team went up against Marchand and the Boston Bruins four previous times, all those series going to Game 7, all of them going Boston’s way.
The Reality of Brad Marchand
The fans don’t like him. Marchand doesn’t mind. There are bigger priorities. There’s a Cup to chase. “To be honest, I never really cared,” Marchand said. “Fans get a very small insight of who we are as people. They watch the games and they build opinions on players off who they are on the ice. Fans that I meet and interact with, I think they have a different perception.”
The Perception of the Florida Panthers
Make no mistake, there seems to be a perception about the Panthers. Florida forward Matthew Tkachuk isn’t exactly adored in other buildings around the NHL. Same goes for another Florida forward, Sam Bennett. Like Marchand, they’re tough, rugged, unafraid of contact. It would probably shock fans in other markets to learn that Tkachuk — like the rest of his family — support a slew of causes quietly without seeking attention for doing so. And Bennett’s passion is finding sheltered animals forever homes; with every goal he scores, he pays the adoption fee to have another dog or cat join a new family.
On-ice Perception vs. Reality
On-ice perception is one thing, Panthers coach Paul Maurice said. Actual reality is another. “Those three men are wonderful to the support staff, trainers, coaches, everybody, flight attendants, all the people who help move our team and don’t get on camera,” Maurice said. “They’re just fantastic to watch. They make you a better person just watching them.”
Marchand’s Time with the Panthers
Marchand might talk a lot on the ice — chirping is one of his favorite hobbies — but he’s been downright gentlemanly since joining the Panthers. He’s played in 15 games since the trade; he’s taken only four minor penalties in that span. He’s settled in on Florida’s third line, been a key part of the penalty-kill, perfectly content to do his job.
Marchand’s Transition to the Panthers
The idea of someone who was the Bruins’ captain joining Florida — a playoff rival — might have seemed unlikely at best a few months ago. But someone who turns 37 on May 11 knows that there might not be too many more chances to win another Stanley Cup, so he embraced the move to Florida. “Everyone’s path is different,” Marchand said. “Mine usually was built off of emotion and it was very intense and very competitive and sometimes when you do that you cross the line and have to play a certain way that gets me engaged all the time. Sometimes it rubs people the wrong way and it comes off in a way people don’t like. But I don’t play the game for anybody outside of myself and my team.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, the perception of Brad Marchand is one thing, but the reality is another. He is a complex individual who is not only a skilled hockey player but also a likeable person. His time with the Panthers has shown that he is a team player who is willing to do whatever it takes to help his team win. As the Panthers continue their playoff run, Marchand will be a key player to watch.
FAQs
Q: What is Brad Marchand’s nickname?
A: Brad Marchand’s nickname is "little ball of hate."
Q: Which team did Brad Marchand play for before joining the Panthers?
A: Brad Marchand played for the Boston Bruins before joining the Panthers.
Q: What is the rivalry between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Brad Marchand?
A: The rivalry between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Brad Marchand is one of the best in hockey, with the two teams having played each other in the playoffs several times.
Q: What is the "Rat Trick"?
A: The "Rat Trick" is a tradition in which Panthers fans throw toy plastic rats onto the ice after wins, a nod to the team’s 1995-96 season.
Q: How has Brad Marchand adjusted to playing for the Panthers?
A: Brad Marchand has adjusted well to playing for the Panthers, settling in on the third line and being a key part of the penalty-kill.
