Bruins
He also took home a pair of souvenir rubber rats on his way off the ice.
In a sore sight Bruins fans, Brad Marchand made a terrific first impression in his Panthers debut on Friday.
Marchand, who Boston traded to its rival Florida at the last minute before the NHL’s trade deadline earlier in March, set up former enemy and new teammate Sam Bennett to help the Panthers beat the Utah Hockey Club in overtime.
Watch the former Bruin record his first point with his new team:
Marchand also recorded four shots on goal in Florida’s 2-1 victory.
After the game, Marchand spoke about what it’s like playing for the top-seeded Panthers.
“Being cheered by Panthers fans was a lot different, but it’s a great feeling,” he said, per the Panthers’ Jameson Olive. “It’s not often you get to be part of a group like this.”
On his way off the ice, the 36-year-old grabbed two rubber rats that were thrown onto the ice by fans. Panthers fans traditionally toss toy rats on the playing surface after home wins, which is all too fitting for a player often referred to as a “rat.”
The win gave the Panthers sole possession of first place in the Atlantic Division as they improved to 44-25-3. The Maple Leafs trail the team by just one point, standing at 43-25-4.
Meanwhile, the Bruins are on a seven-game losing skid and battling with the Sabres for last place in the division. Boston stands at 30-34-9 entering Saturday’s matchup with the Red Wings.
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