Can you ever get tired of winning? It’s a fair question to ask, especially if we’re talking about one Brad Marchand who has won almost all you can win in hockey over the course of his 16 NHL seasons, including a Stanley Cup and World Cup gold. But for Marchand, past victories can never take the shine off of a new win, no matter the game. “You never take for granted winning,” he said following the Panthers’ 6-1 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs to send them to the Conference Finals. But despite basking in another sweet, sweet win, Marchand was equally sympathetic to the Leafs nation.

Marchand pointed out a deeper yet personal, moment after the win. Indeed his one goal and two assists were crucial in pushing the Leafs out the door, but he took the time to reflect on his personal connection with the Toronto oufit. After all, it wasn’t like playing against just another team, it was about embracing a connection that runs deep.

During his postgame presser, Marchand was asked if he took extra pleasure in beating the Leafs, considering he has knocked them out of the playoffs five times in winner take all games (he even holds the record). But instead of pleasure, Marchand revealed he was more focused about being in the moment and enjoying it while he could. “You know, winning is the most incredible feeling, on any night” began Marchand with a chuckle.

He went on to praise the aggressiveness of the Toronto faithful, reveling in it rather than getting cowed. “It’s not easy to win in this league but I think the thing about Toronto is their fans are very in your face. They’re in your face, right? They’re aggressive and they let you hear it all the time and it’s just fun to interact...You know, like, I grew up a Leafs fan, and I enjoy playing against the Leafs, and I enjoy interacting with fans. Like, it’s fun.”

“It’s not something that I’ll forever get to do. You know, and I don’t take myself too seriously. Like, I love getting made fun of. I love making fun of people, and—and if you can’t take it, then so be it. But I can, so I’m going to enjoy the moments that I have, and that’s one of them.” He may not have said it straight terms but it sure looks like Marchand enjoys the fan attention (be it good or bad), whenever he gets to knock the Leafs out.

But how does Marchand handle the crowd reactions if they all turn towards him? “When I come in here and I get booed and I get that award in the game, I’m going to show it and, you know, I’m going to enjoy that.” And hey, that’s exactly what Brad Marchand did in Game 7! With a dominant 3-point delivery at night, including a goal, two assists, and the final empty-netter, not only did Florida get its huge victory over Toronto, but Marchand, too, proved his prowess!

After all, the ex-Bruins captain had haunted Leafs fans for years in Boston, going 4-0 in previous Game 7s against them! And now, as part of a stacked Florida Panthers squad, he improved to 5-0 in those high-stakes clashes! “Like, yes, we—we all want to win, and we all want to chase a cup, but you don’t always get to do that. So you got to enjoy the process and the steps and the days that you have throughout that journey,” Marchand said, offering a seasoned yet reflective perspective that only comes with years in the game. And while the ultimate goal for every NHL player is winning the Stanley Cup, there is also the harsh truth that not everyone gets to achieve it, no matter how talented or determined they are.

But as much as it’s easy for players and athletes to say that, accepting it is a whole different matter.

Brad Marchand didn’t approve of fan behavior after the Maple Leafs’ elimination

After all, what was supposed to be a historic night for Toronto turned out exactly the opposite. Because the Panthers won the Battle of Florida, and with the weight of 23 years without a Conference Finals appearance pressing down on the Maple Leafs, they entered Game 7 against the Panthers with high hopes, only to get them crashed.

Well, it was the reason why fans responded with loud boos, hurled beer cups, and tossed jerseys onto the ice. A full-blown backlash that left the players visibly stunned while they attempted to salute the fans for their support, but they turned out to be violent. Valid? While for many it might seem normal, to Marchand it didn’t!

“I think if you look at the heat this team catches, it’s actually really unfortunate. You know, they’ve been working & building something really big here for a while. They’re getting crucified, and I don’t think it’s justified,” Brad Marchand pointed out While he called out the Toronto fans for turning on their own, the backlash indeed was pretty unfair when the team genuinely gave their 100%. And his words? Not just show a level of respect for the Leafs but reflected the genuine support coming from a divisional rival that many wouldn’t have expected.

A reminder that behind the rivalry and the noise, too, there’s a level of respect between players who know what it takes to compete at this level! Though the Maple Leafs finally mark an end to their 2025 journey, the Panthers and Brad Marchand now enter another round to face the Hurricanes. Will they complete a cup double? What do you think?