Marchand Makes Game 7 History Against Maple Leafs

Brad Marchand made NHL history by becoming the first player to win five winner-take-all playoff games against the same franchise, helping the Florida Panthers defeat the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-1 in Game 7 to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. Four of Marchand's Game 7 wins over Toronto came as a member of the Boston Bruins, while the fifth occurred with the Panthers following his trade at the deadline. Marchand scored a goal and two assists in the victory and attributed the streak to team depth rather than individual effort. The Panthers' win triggered a trade condition, awarding Marchand's former team, the Bruins, a first-round pick due to his participation and Florida's playoff progress. Marchand, known for his rivalry with Toronto, praised this year's Leafs and called the criticism they face from fans and media 'unjustified.' Florida will now face the Carolina Hurricanes as they continue their Stanley Cup title defense.