Brad Marchand might just be the bane of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ existence in the playoffs.
The former Boston Bruins star, now with the Florida Panthers, played a part in eliminating the Leafs from the NHL playoffs in a 6-1 win in Game 7.
It’s a familiar spot for Marchand, who grew up a Leafs fan. It’s the fifth time his team has knocked out Toronto in a Game 7. It’s become such a regular occurrence that the NHL has acknowledged it as a record.
According to the NHL, Marchand is the first player in history to win five “winner-take-all” games against the same team.
For his part, Marchand has had plenty of fun making Toronto’s playoff lives miserable.
“I grew up a Leafs fan. I enjoy playing against the Leafs. I enjoy interacting with fans. Like, it’s fun. It’s not something I’ll forever get to do,” Marchand said, via ESPN.
The 37-year-old Marchand, who hails from the suburbs of Halifax, Nova Scotia, has had a strong postseason run with Florida. In 12 games so far, Marchand has three goals and nine assists. One of those goals and two of those assists came in Game 7 against Toronto.
The four-time All-Star and Bruins captain spent his first 16 NHL seasons in Boston. It was during that stretch that he played a part in beating Toronto in Game 7 the first four times.
Boston traded Marchand to Florida in exchange for a conditional second-round draft pick.
