The Florida Panthers upheld their reputation as formidable road competitors by securing the second game in Edmonton, thereby equalizing the Stanley Cup Final at one game each against the Edmonton Oilers on Friday night.
Brad Marchand scored the decisive goal during the second overtime period, just past the 12-minute mark.
Fans of the Panthers were ecstatic, particularly his family. Cameras captured a particularly enthusiastic moment from his mother:
What a remarkable experience for a mother witnessing her child accomplish one of the pinnacle achievements in hockey—a game-winning goal in the Stanley Cup Final—and openly expressing her emotions. Marchand is well-acquainted with the Stanley Cup Final, having secured a championship with the Bruins during his rookie season and participating in the series of ’13 and ’19 as well. However, this marked his inaugural overtime goal in the Final and his fourth overall in his playoff career, with two occurring this year.
The Panthers obtained Marchand through a trade with the Boston Bruins just prior to the NHL trade deadline, and he has proven to be an exceptional addition, amassing 17 points in 19 playoff games leading up to the Stanley Cup Final. Although he had a slow start in his 10 regular-season games with Florida, where he recorded only four points, he has emerged as the game-changer the Panthers anticipated during the postseason.
His family has relished every moment of this journey.
