Paul Maurice Lights a Fire Under Maple Leafs Nemesis Brad Marchand Ahead of Game 7
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice tried to motivate notorious Maple Leafs rival brad Marchand ahead of a critical Game 7.
Sunday night will be arguably the most anticipated playoff game in recent memory, not only in general but especially for the Maple Leafs.
This will make or break the Auston Matthews era, and will no doubt lead to some big changes if they can't get it done.
If they don't manage to get it done, a lot of that might be in part to nemesis Brad Marchand, who has been a thorn in the side of the Maple Leafs for years, and has helped Florida make their lives miserable.
No stranger to Game 7, Marchand is expected to play a huge part in Florida's quest to repeat, and head coach Paul Maurice may have given him some much needed motivation to light a fire underneath his forward.
Paul Maurice's Stark Message To Brad Marchand Meant To Spark Brad Marchand
When asked about Marchand's 13th appearance in Game 7, Paul Maurice explained that while he was shocked at the number, he told Marchand that he better give it his all:
You won't play in 13 more.
That's a very blunt observation of things, but leave it to Maurice to do so. He's got a point though, and at 36 years old, who knows how long Marchand has left to win another Cup.
He hasn't had the best record, although he is positive. He is 7-5 in Game 7's and could join some elite company with his eighth victory.
Marchand understood the assignment and the importance of the game wasn't lost on him. As reporters surrounded him ahead of Game 7, he took time to relish in things:
The difference between winning and losing sometimes doesn't even come down to how you play. It can be a bounce or a call.
You obviously want to prepare to put your best game on the ice and take care of every detail because one detail is enough to win or lose a game.
You obviously want to prepare to put your best game on the ice and take care of every detail because one detail is enough to win or lose a game.
While Marchand and the Panthers have been privy to getting more calls for them than against, one wrong move in this chess match could lead to an unexpected checkmate.
He has history on his side though, going 4-0 against Toronto in his career in Game 7, so at least he can revel in the fact that he's always been able to pull through when it counts.
He's done well this postseason too, and while not at the elite level of production from his rookie year, or 2018-19 where he had 23 points, he's still contributing.
In 11 games, Marchand has posted nine points (2G, 7A), 19 hits, 32 PIM and a plus-8 rating in 16:50 TOI.
While he can only do so much, and very well may play in his last Game 7 with a loss to Toronto on Sunday night.
But things aren't lost on Marchand, who is going his best to live in the moment and recognize all he's accomplished:
These are the games that you remember forever.
| POLL | ||
MAI 18 | 509 ANSWERS Paul Maurice Lights a Fire Under Maple Leafs Nemesis Brad Marchand Ahead of Game 7 Is Paul Maurice trying to spark Brad Marchand ahead of Game 7? | ||
| Yes | 446 | 87.6 % |
| No | 63 | 12.4 % |
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