Brad Marchand kept a special postgame tradition alive despite teammate Evan Rodrigues injury.

After Florida's win, the familiar rat celebration rolled on even though Evan Rodrigues was unavailable due to injury. Instead of letting the tradition fade, Marchand stepped in himself, scooping up one of the plastic rats tossed onto the ice and firing it off his own shin pads. Simple, playful, and perfectly on brand.

It fit who he is. Marchand has always understood how much small traditions matter inside a room, especially during long seasons when energy and connection can slip. Moments like this keep things light.

His impact in Florida has gone far beyond celebrations. Acquired at the trade deadline last season, Marchand played a key role in the Panthers repeating as Stanley Cup champions. He was especially lethal in the Final against the Edmonton Oilers, scoring six goals in the series and delivering when pressure peaked.

This season marks Marchand's first full year in a Panthers sweater, and the fit looks natural. After choosing to stay in Florida rather than testing free agency, he committed to the group long term, reinforcing that last spring was not a short-term experiment.

Florida has leaned heavily on his experience. With Matthew Tkachuk sidelined after offseason surgery and captain Aleksander Barkov dealing with a significant knee injury, Marchand has helped stabilize the forward group through consistency and edge.

On the ice, the production backs it up. Marchand has posted 37 points this season, with 19 goals and 18 assists, continuing to drive play despite heavy minutes and matchup responsibility. At 37, his game relies more on anticipation and detail, but the results remain there.

The rat moment was a small gesture, but those moments stack up. Florida is winning again, the room feels connected, and veterans are setting tone without forcing it.

Brad Marchand didn't just keep a tradition alive. He reminded everyone that culture survives when players choose to carry it forward.