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  • Brad Marchand Wins Stanley Cup with Florida Panthers After 17-Year Journey

    Brad Marchand Wins Stanley Cup with Florida Panthers After 17-Year Journey

    Seventeen years after hoisting the Stanley Cup as a member of the Boston Bruins, Brad Marchand did it again — this time with the Florida Panthers, who clinched their first-ever championship in a dominant 5-1 Game 6 win over the Edmonton Oilers.

    Marchand was instrumental in the run. In 23 playoff games, he tallied 10 goals and 10 assists, including a jaw-dropping double-overtime winner in Game 2 of the Final. His leadership, clutch scoring, and veteran presence were key ingredients in Florida’s historic season.

    For many, it felt like poetic justice — a redemption arc that saw Marchand go from being traded at the deadline to becoming a champion just weeks later.

    From Boston to Florida: The Trade That Changed Everything

    Marchand’s departure from Boston wasn’t easy.

    After falling out of favor with management due to salary cap constraints and a desire to rebuild around younger players, the Bruins made the tough decision to trade him at the 2025 deadline. In return, they received a first-round pick, which will either belong to Boston in 2027 or 2028, depending on Florida’s draft plans.

    While some questioned whether Marchand still had what it took to impact a contender, the Panthers knew exactly what they were getting — a proven winner, a locker room leader, and a playoff performer.

    And boy, did he deliver.

    Marchand Reflects on the Win — And What’s Next

    Now a free agent heading into July 1, Marchand is taking a moment to soak in the victory before thinking about the future.

    In a recent interview with SportsNet’s Elliotte Friedman, Marchand admitted:

    “I’ve thought about potential situations. But until you know what options are out there — it’s all theoretical… So I kind of parked all that. Right now, I’m just being in the moment and enjoying it.”

    That mindset isn’t surprising.

    At 37 years old, Marchand has already defied expectations by remaining effective deep into his career. And while he’s earned the right to decide his next move, one thing is clear:

    He’s not done yet.

    A Legacy Cemented

    Winning a second Stanley Cup only solidifies Marchand’s place in NHL history.

    Back in 2011, he was the young firebrand helping lift the Bruins to their first title in nearly four decades.

    This time around, he was the seasoned vet bringing wisdom, energy, and edge to a Panthers team hungry for its first-ever championship.

    His role evolved, but his impact didn’t.

    From gritty forechecks to big-time goals in tight moments, Marchand showed that even at his age, he can still make a difference when it matters most.

    And for fans who once doubted whether he could thrive outside Boston?

    Well, he answered those questions with a resounding yes.

    What’s Next for Marchand?

    There’s no doubt that teams will come calling this summer.

    Marchand remains a valuable contributor, both offensively and in the locker room. He could easily slide into a top-nine forward role on a contender looking for depth and leadership.

    Possible suitors could include:

    • New York Rangers
    • Pittsburgh Penguins
    • Vegas Golden Knights
    • Tampa Bay Lightning

    Or, perhaps, he returns to Florida for one more run — if the Panthers want to bring him back.

    Whatever happens, Marchand will have options.

    And based on how this season ended, he’ll be choosing from a position of strength.

    Final Takeaway: A Champion Once Again — And Not Done Yet

    Brad Marchand’s journey from hometown hero in Boston to playoff catalyst in Florida is the stuff of legend.

    Few players get a chance to rewrite their legacy in a new jersey.

    Even fewer do it by winning another Stanley Cup.

    But Marchand did — and now, as he enters free agency with a ring on his finger, he’s doing something rare in today’s NHL:

    Going out on top.

    And maybe coming back for more.

  • Jay Woodcroft Emerges as Top Contender for Bruins Head Coach Role

    Jay Woodcroft Emerges as Top Contender for Bruins Head Coach Role

    The NHL coaching carousel is in full spin, and several teams have already filled their vacancies. The Rangers got Mike Sullivan, the Ducks hired Joel Quenneville, the Canucks promoted Adam Foote and the Flyers got Rick Tocchet. But one team still in the process is the Boston Bruins, and they seem to have a front runner for the job.

    According to Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli, former Edmonton Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft is the “leading candidate” for the Bruins’ head coaching position. On the “Morning Cuppa Hockey” podcast, Seravalli said Woodcroft’s interactions with the Bruins have been good so far.

    “I think it’s gone well for him there,” Seravalli said. “So I’d say keep an eye on that too.”

    Jay Woodcroft’s NHL Resume

    At 48 years old, Jay Woodcroft has a lot of experience as a head coach and assistant in the NHL. His most recent stint was with the Edmonton Oilers, where he was head coach for three seasons from 2022 to 2024.

    Woodcroft was the interim head coach in 2022 and got the Oilers to the Western Conference Finals before losing to the eventual Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche. The next season (2022-23), he had the Oilers at 50-23-9 (109 points), and they went to the second round against the Vegas Golden Knights, another eventual Cup winner.

    But the 2023-24 season got off to a rough start for Edmonton, and they were 3-9-1. That’s when Woodcroft was let go in November, but his body of work during his tenure is solid.

    Before his time in Edmonton’s top job, Woodcroft was head coach of the Oilers’ AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors, for four seasons (105-71-21) and seven years as an assistant coach with the San Jose Sharks (2008-15) and three more with the Oilers (2015-18).

    What Woodcroft Has Been Doing Since His Departure?

    Since leaving the Oilers, Woodcroft hasn’t been idle. In an interview with Daily Faceoff’s Steven Ellis, he told me how he’s used this time to improve.

    “I’ve had a 20 year career with three different organizations and I’ve never had this time before,” Woodcroft said. “So, I’ve really tried to invest in being the best I can be. Study ways to get better. Look at communication. Look at how to improve team culture.”

    Woodcroft said his focus has been on getting player buy-in and engagement, skills he thinks will serve him well for his next opportunity. While this wasn’t what he had planned, he views it as an opportunity to get better and come back stronger than ever.

    Where the Bruins Stand in Their Search?

    The coaching search is still in its infancy. GM Don Sweeney said they’ve started Zooms and will move to in-person meetings soon. But Sweeney also said some candidates are still in the postseason, so decisions won’t be made right away.

    That opens the door for assistants like Misha Donskov of the Dallas Stars or Mitch Love of the Washington Capitals to get in the mix. But Woodcroft’s name is still gaining traction as the top guy.

    He’s got NHL head coaching experience, playoff success, and a track record of developing players. He’s the kind of coach the Bruins need after a disappointing season.

    Why Woodcroft is the Perfect Fit for Boston?

    If hired, Woodcroft would bring stability and innovation to the bench. He’s known for his great communication skills and adaptability, and gets the most out of his players. And his experience with high-powered offenses (like the Oilers’ Connor McDavid line) could translate well to Boston’s roster with David Pastrňák and Brad Marchand.

    No decision has been made yet, but Woodcroft being a leading candidate means the Bruins are serious about finding a coach who can get them back to contender status.

  • Former Boston Bruins Coach Criticizes Officials After Overtime Loss

    Former Boston Bruins Coach Criticizes Officials After Overtime Loss

    Bruce Cassidy, the outspoken former head coach of the Boston Bruins and current bench boss of the Vegas Golden Knights, never hesitates to speak his mind—whether it’s about players, opposing coaches or referees. And his fiery personality was on full display after a gut-wrenching overtime loss to the Edmonton Oilers in Game 2 of their second-round series.

    A Controversial Play Sparks Outrage

    The game was tied 4-4 heading into overtime Thursday night in Vegas. The tension was high as both teams battled for the win. But just before Leon Draisaitl scored the winner 15:20 into overtime, a controversial play unfolded that had Cassidy seething.

    Vegas defenseman Brayden McNabb was skating behind the net to get the puck when Edmonton forward Victor Arvidsson tripped him, sending McNabb crashing into the boards. The hit was 17 seconds before Draisaitl’s goal, but no call was made.

    Cassidy didn’t sugarcoat it after the game.

    “Listen, Gord’s (Dwyer) looking at it,” Cassidy said, referring to the ref. “He blew it, he missed the call. I don’t know what else to say. I mean, it’s a can opener trip, it’s a dirty play, it’s all of that—but it didn’t get called, so you’ve got to keep playing.”

    He was mad not just because of the missed call but because it directly affected the outcome of the game. The Oilers now lead 2-0 heading back to Edmonton for Game 3.

    What Happened During the Play?

    Replays showed Arvidsson stick him and trip McNabb and he loses control and hits the boards. While it wasn’t a penalty according to the refs, many thought it was at least a minor.

    For Cassidy, it’s not just about one play – it’s about how these calls (or non-calls) can swing the momentum of a game, especially in the NHL playoffs.

    Looking Ahead to Game 3

    With the series shifting to Edmonton for Game 3 on Saturday, the Golden Knights are in a tough spot. Down 2-0 to the defending Western Conference champs, they need to dig deep and overcome the Oilers and their own frustration.

    And to make matters worse, there are injury concerns – will McNabb be able to play after hitting the boards? And will Cassidy get league discipline for his post-game comments, which could come with fines or other penalties?

    But Cassidy is confident his team can bounce back. He’s a resilient coach, and he’ll push his players to channel their anger into performance on the ice.