Brad Marchand is known for his ability to move on from past incidents, and that’s exactly his approach as the Boston Bruins prepare to face the Florida Panthers in the opening game of the 2024-25 season. Last spring, Marchand suffered a head injury caused by Florida’s Sam Bennett, which sidelined him during the Bruins’ second-round playoff series against the Panthers. While he remembers the incident, he insists it won’t hinder his performance when the teams meet at Amerant Bank Arena.
“It’s part of the game. He definitely got away with one when you see the replay and everything but that’s how it goes. I’m not holding any animosity…I’m gonna play just as hard as I always do,” Marchand stated after the morning skate at the Panthers’ training facility.
Marchand emphasized the importance of focusing on the present and the opportunity ahead for the Bruins. “At the end of the day, this is two points we’re out there to get…nothing changes the past. It’s all about being in the moment, moving forward. We have the same goal this year, different opportunity. The goal is to not let these guys get in the way of it again.”
He acknowledged that the Panthers are a strong team and recognized the challenge they pose as the Bruins aim to achieve their objectives. “They’re definitely a great team again, one that we’re gonna have to go through to accomplish our goal. I think we’re built a little different this year and hopefully we give ourselves that opportunity. At the end of the day, they got the better of us on every play in that series…you remember it and try to be better next time.”
Marchand anticipates that the season opener will be emotionally charged, but reassured that the Bruins are focused on playing their best game. “I wouldn’t say it will be more special, it’s definitely gonna be more intense,” he said, highlighting the significance of the matchup between two elite teams in the league. “It’s gonna be a very intense game for sure.”
He also noted the motivation the Bruins can draw from the Panthers’ Stanley Cup banner raising ceremony and what it symbolizes for teams across the league. “It’s obviously what we want to get to. There’s a long road ahead of us. That’s the goal every year is to watch that banner raise up the following season. I guess you can use it as motivation…for us it’s all about being in the moment and being ready to play tonight and put our best game on the ice.”