Brad Marchand made NHL playoff history by scoring his sixth goal in the current Stanley Cup Final, leading the Florida Panthers to a crucial 5-2 win over the Edmonton Oilers. The achievement marks the first time a player has scored at least five goals in two separate Stanley Cup Final series with different teams.
Marchand, 37, became the seventh player in NHL history to achieve this feat, joining Hall of Famer Mario Lemieux, who accomplished it in 1991 and 1992. The veteran winger’s six goals are also the most in the Stanley Cup Final for a player over 35 years old since Esa Tikkanen with the Oilers in 1988.
Marchand’s impressive individual efforts, including his opening goal at 9:12 of the first period and his second game-winner on an empty-netter, were praised by teammates. Florida goalie Sergei Bobrovsky described Marchand as “amazing” and said he made a “hell of an effort by himself.”
The Panthers’ dominant performance on the road has them tied for the single playoff-year record held by six other teams, five of whom won the Stanley Cup. However, they are aware that they must remain focused to close out the series against the Oilers. The team’s recent history with elimination game losses is a reminder of the challenges ahead.
With a chance to lift their second consecutive Stanley Cup championship, the Panthers look to Marchand and his teammates to lead them to victory in Game 6 on Tuesday night at home.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/45515809/panthers-verge-repeat-blowing-oilers-game-5