Brad Marchand Says This Aspect Of Panthers’ Stanley Cup Differs From Bruins’

Brad Marchand’s journey back to Lord Stanley prompted a moment of reflection amid the celebration.

Marchand and the Florida Panthers won the Stanley Cup after besting the Edmonton Oilers at Amerant Bank Arena on Tuesday night. Florida claimed the best-of-seven series 4-2, marking the franchise’s second straight title.

Marchand, who spent 16 seasons with the Boston Bruins before being traded in March, waited 14 years before he got to hoist the Stanley Cup again.

So when asked the biggest difference between his first Stanley Cup in 2010-11 and this one, Marchand quickly replied with one thing that stands out.

“I definitely appreciate it way more,” Marchand told ESPN’s Emily Kaplan after Florida’s 5-1 win. “I mean, when you win it your first year you don’t understand how difficult it is, and the trials and tribulations you have to go through to be part of something like this. I’ve embraced every second of this. This has been incredible.”

Marchand won his first Stanley Cup in his first full season with the Bruins. He tallied 41 points in 77 regular-season games before he complemented the run with 19 points in 25 playoff games. And while the Black and Gold flirted with another title or two during his tenure in Boston, Marchand and company never raised another banner.

Marchand has now, though, and Bruins fans and former teammates are happy to see it.