If at all there was any merit to Paul Bissonnette’s ‘tongue-in-cheek’ theory about the Florida Panthers deliberately losing down the stretch to draw the Toronto Maple Leafs as their playoff opponents? Then tonight’s 4-1 victory over the Red Wings, after yesterday’s win over the Leafs, has shattered it. And who better to help shut it down than their newest signing, Brad Marchand?

After scoring a crucial OT assist on his debut, Marchand has registered his first goal in the red and white jersey. The 38-year-old started the night by being involved in goal-scoring opportunities and finally broke through in the second period when he gave the Panthers the 2-1 lead. Yet, the NHL veteran credits his smooth transition to their style of play.

“I love the messaging. The messaging that the team portrays in the room and on the bench is very simple to follow and very direct,” Brad Marchand said while speaking to the reporters after the game. The veteran hockey player has played on many teams, including the Canadian national team and 16 seasons with the Bruins, and still, the Panthers’ system impressed him.

Marchand also explained that the way the Panthers play is easy to get into. “The system… it helps regardless of your skill, talent, or physicality level. The expectations are the same right through the lineup,” said the veteran NHLer. However, the way the Florida Panthers play may have been especially helpful for a player like Marchand.

Why you ask? Well, because the Panthers don’t pull punches on the ice. Captain Matthew Tkachuk and Co. aren’t afraid to drop gloves when things get rough. It’s the kind of energy that Brad Marchand thrives in. The 38-year-old is no stranger to taking and dishing out the hits. “It’s a very aggressive style. I mean, that is kind of how I play,” added the former Bruin. Yet, the ice hockey star isn’t the only one who achieved a milestone tonight.

Brad Marchand’s new coach seemed unbothered

As his team closed the door on the Red Devils’ effort to make a comeback, head coach Paul Maurice nonchalantly walked to the tunnel. You wouldn’t even know that the coach achieved a massive league milestone as the Panthers trumped the Canes 4-1. Even the announcers took notice of Maurice walking off like nothing had happened.

“He may not care much, but it’s the third most wins in NHL history. Congratulations to the Panther coach. Number 915…” said the announcer. With his 915th win, Maurice moved past Barry Trotz’s 914 career wins in the NHL. So it’s safe to say Bard Marching opening his goalscoring book as a Panther wasn’t the only big development in the match.

Coach Maurice did address hitting the monumental milestone in his 27th season in the league. He refused to take much of the credit for making history. “My appreciation for things is the whole group here. This has been a wholly and completely unexpected level of joy that I find in my job because of the men who are around here,” the coach told reporters.

The next milestone isn’t too far away, either, depending on how long the 58-year-old plans to continue coaching. Joel Quenneville currently holds second place with 969 career wins. Interestingly, Maurice leads the NHL in all-time losses. However, Maurice is glad to be back in the win column, with two consecutive victories after five losses. His focus is to find success in the playoffs and ultimately defend the title.