Brad Marchand on track to land Conn Smythe Trophy

Florida Panthers veteran Brad Marchand has emerged as the team’s blood and guts during their postseason run this year.

Marchand, who joined the Panthers at the trade deadline, had to wait a couple of weeks before debuting for the team. But when he hit the ice, he did so at full speed.

He wasn’t overly impressive in the Cats’ first-round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning. But he didn’t need to. The Panthers dominated the Bolts without Marchand having to play the hero.

It was in the second round against the Toronto Maple Leafs where Brad Marchand had to emerge as the hero for Florida. He once again played the role of archnemesis for the Leafs, driving the dagger home when needed.

That situation opened the door for Marchand to become the Panthers’ best player, even without lighting up the scoresheet.

The Panthers bounced the Carolina Hurricanes without breaking a sweat. They nearly swept the Canes as Marchand and company played a key role in brushing Carolina aside.

Now, Brad Marchand’s exploits in the Stanley Cup Final have put him on par with other legendary performances. Like him or not, Marchand has earned a place in NHL history with his remarkable performance, even at the age of 37.

The only thing left is for the Florida Panthers to close out the series against the Edmonton Oilers. If Florida can do that by winning in Game Six, Marchand should get his name etched on the Conn Smythe Trophy as the 2025 NHL playoff MVP.

Brad Marchand is having a Stanley Cup Final for the ages

Brad Marchand hasn’t just been good during the Stanley Cup Final. He’s been terrific as the numbers back that up.

Marchand has become the first player since Mario Lemieux in 1991-1992 to score five goals in multiple Stanley Cup Final appearances.

Sidney Crosby didn’t do it. Not Joe Sakic. Not even Connor McDavid or Wayne Gretzky accomplished this feat.

Marchand played a key role in the Boston Bruins' Cup win in 2011, and he’s followed it up 14 years later with one heck of a Stanley Cup Final performance this season.

But that’s not the only mark that Marchand has set this postseason.

Marchand is the first player to score six goals in a Stanley Cup Final since Esa Tikkanen did it for the Oilers in 1988. Coincidentally, that was the last Cup the Oilers won during the Gretzky era.

The Stanley Cup Final isn’t over yet. The Florida Panthers still need to close out the Oilers in Game 6 at home. If they can’t get it done, the series will head to a winner-take-all Game 7 just like last season, but this time in Edmonton.

If you believe in déjà vu, this year’s Cup Final could be headed to Game 7 again. Marchand and the Panthers hope the outcome remains the same as last season, though.