“It was different”: Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares comments on Brad Marchand's shocking Florida Panthers debut

Witnessing Brad Marchand in anything besides black and gold remains an eye-jarring image for most within the NHL, and Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares was no different. After the Maple Leafs ' 3-1 defeat at the hands of the Florida Panthers , John Tavares spoke on seeing the long-time Boston Bruins agitator wear a new jersey in a game that was both emotionally charged and playoff-deciding.

Toronto Maple Leafs captain weighs in on watching longtime adversary Brad Marchand wear a Florida Panthers jersey



“It was different, no doubt. He obviously has had a tremendous career in Boston and what he's accomplished there and being there for as long as he's been, so it was definitely different,” John Tavares said following the game in Sunrise, Florida. The game was the newest indication of an Atlantic Division power shift, as the Florida Panthers maintained their dominance over the Toronto Maple Leafs this season.


In spite of not being favorites to win the division, the Florida Panthers made a compelling case to be the team to beat in the Atlantic by shutting down first-place Toronto Maple Leafs in a gritty 3-1 victory at Amerant Bank Arena. And in the dying moments, it was Brad Marchand who factored into the clinching play. After his own shot was blocked by Mitch Marner , he found Carter Verhaeghe , who sealed the win with an empty-net goal.

John Tavares reflects on team's attitude

Regarding the mood of the team going into the stretch run leading to playoffs, the Maple Leafs captain stressed a gradual build-up and not an instant change in energy.

“We know obviously playoffs is coming and what that time of year is all about and what it means, but I think trying to flip a switch so to speak or look to change certain things, I think you want to just build yourself throughout the year,” he said, “To me it's just been a constant build on how we've been playing and the style of hockey that's played at the time of year that it is. I wouldn't say that all of a sudden we just decided to get a real seriousness or intense, but I think there's a recognition of where we're at in the season and the way we want our game trending and how we're approaching everything on a daily basis with also trying to make sure you're enjoying yourself, appreciating the opportunity and making the most of it. So that's always the balancing act of trying to make sure you're having fun, but that competitive intensity that's needed on a nightly basis and certainly at this time of year is at the forefront.”

Also read: “I want to keep playing”: Maple Leafs’ Veteran John Tavares is all in on playing


With the playoffs on the horizon, Toronto Maple Leafs now has to rebuild and hone its game against competitors that now have a remodeled and recharged Florida team added to their lineup. The way forward is now clear: steadiness, concentration, and, yes—accustoming to some strange-to-the-eye spectacles.