Brad Marchand Talks Leafs-Panthers Rivalry, Matthews’ Two-Way Game, and Florida’s Push for Consistency
With the Panthers and Maple Leafs set to square off for the first time this season, Brad Marchand offered a candid look at where both teams stand, what he remembers from their playoff clash last spring, and how Auston Matthews’ evolution into a complete player has raised the bar.
These early-season matchups might not have the stakes of a playoff series, but don’t tell that to Marchand. For him, the history between these two teams adds fuel to the fire.
“Any time you play a team in the playoffs, especially a couple of years close together, that’s where rivalries are built,” Marchand said. “We’re two teams that should both be doing a little bit better than we are.”
That’s the key theme for both squads right now-finding their footing. Neither team has hit its stride yet, but the intensity is already there. And with points at a premium, these games carry weight.
“Most importantly, the points are huge right now,” Marchand added. “You can’t take a game off. We have to get back to playing the right way for 60 minutes.”
Looking Back at Last Spring’s Series
The Panthers and Leafs went toe-to-toe in a hard-fought playoff series last spring, and Marchand hasn’t forgotten how close it was.
“They were one goal away from beating us, essentially,” he said. “It’s tough to come back when you’re down 3-0.”
Toronto pushed them to the brink, and Marchand gave credit where it’s due. He pointed to the Leafs’ depth, improved defensive structure, and the way they’ve battled through injuries-something Florida’s dealing with, too.
“They compete very hard, and they are very deep,” he said. “Their defensive structure is way better now than it was in the past.”
No Panic in Florida
While the Leafs face intense scrutiny in Toronto-where being outside the playoff picture can feel like a crisis-Marchand made it clear that the vibe in Florida is more measured.
“What are we, 25 games in? If you think your playoff dreams are done 25 games in, you have bigger problems,” he said bluntly.
He acknowledged the outside noise in Toronto but emphasized that inside the room, players aren’t panicking.
“With the media attention and the fan support in Toronto, things get blown way out of proportion up there,” he said. “They definitely don’t think that in the room.”
Facing Auston Matthews: A New Kind of Challenge
Auston Matthews is back in the lineup, and Marchand sees a different kind of player than in years past-one who’s just as committed to shutting opponents down as he is to lighting the lamp.
“He’s focusing more on a 200-foot game,” Marchand said. “He’s much more reliable and tougher to play against in his end of the ice.”
It’s a shift that hasn’t gone unnoticed. Matthews has always had the offensive firepower, but now he’s sacrificing some of that to become a more complete player-and Marchand respects it.
“He easily could’ve worried about cheating, scoring goals, and chasing 60-plus goals every year,” Marchand said. “But to play that way, he’s going to have to sacrifice scoring. That’s what you have to do to win.”
According to Marchand, Matthews’ commitment to both ends of the ice was a big reason for Toronto’s success last season.
Panthers Still Searching for Consistency
As for the Panthers, Marchand admitted they’re still ironing out the kinks-especially when it comes to balancing offensive push with defensive responsibility.
“It seems like we have some lapses in the game and some mistakes to clean up,” he said. “Those are things we are working through.”
He pointed to the early season as a time for building chemistry, especially with several key players out of the lineup. But despite the imperfections, the group isn’t rattled.
“Not every game is going to be pretty, but you have to find a way to collect points,” he said.
Letting Leads Slip? That’s On Us
One area Marchand didn’t shy away from was the team’s tendency to let leads slip-something that’s cost them in recent games.
“Yeah, it’s just not acceptable, right? We’re better than that,” he said.
“It starts with me in the last game. I turned the puck over when it was 2-0.
We were in control. The momentum changed.”
For Marchand, it’s about accountability and attention to detail. He knows that in tight games, one mistake can flip the script.
“A single play is enough to impact the game in a negative or positive way,” he said. “We value the little details that most teams don’t, especially down the stretch and into the playoffs. That’s when you win.”
On His Own Play and Line Chemistry
Aaron Ekblad recently said Marchand has been carrying the team, but the veteran forward was quick to deflect the praise.
“I appreciate him saying that, but I don’t think that’s the case,” Marchand said. “No one wins in this league without a full group.”
Instead, he pointed to the Panthers’ depth and the way different players have stepped up in the face of injuries. He also highlighted the chemistry on his line with Anton Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen.
“We just feel so comfortable together as a line with the way we can connect and read off each other,” he said. “We have a lot of fun out there.”
Unfortunately, Luostarinen is currently sidelined due to a freak injury, but Marchand is optimistic about his return.
“Luckily, he’s okay. He’ll be back soon.”
Looking Ahead
The Panthers and Leafs may not be at their peak yet, but the ingredients for another high-stakes, high-intensity showdown are there. With playoff implications already looming and both teams looking to find their rhythm, this isn’t just another game on the schedule-it’s a measuring stick.
And if Marchand’s words are any indication, the Panthers know exactly what’s at stake.