Brad Marchand on Florida's Winter Classic: 3 appearances, same kid buzz
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Jonathan Ouimet
Dec 29, 2025 (5:46 PM)
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Photo credit: WWW.NHL.COM
Brad Marchand turns the Winter Classic into a memory story for Florida Panthers fans against the New York Rangers.
The 37-year-old forward said «They're the games you remember. I've played a lot of games in this league, and they all kind of bunch together. The years bunch together. I probably couldn't tell you what happened in many games in the regular season. But I could go on and on about the moments that happen in these outdoor games.»
NHL.com also noted he has four points in three outdoor games, and he is 3-0-0.
Brad Marchand relishes Winter Classic in Miami
As a Panthers fan, I love hearing a star admit what he forgets, and what still sticks.
«I don't think any of us ever thought this would be a possibility, just to see the game grow to the point where it has in Florida, where we're having outdoor games here, is pretty incredible. But yeah, to play in the heat, seeing everybody in shorts and T-shirts, will be pretty remarkable.» Marchand said.
Florida hosts the Rangers on Friday at loanDepot park, and it will be Marchand's fourth outdoor game. The first one is still the loudest, Notre Dame Stadium in 2019, with 76,126 fans and a 4-2 Bruins win. He even capped it with an empty-netter with 33 seconds left.
He also said «When you're on the ice, it's like any other game. You kind of forget everything that's going on. And then you look up, and you realize you're in this unbelievable setting. But it's also just different the way that you hear it, the noise and everything. It was pretty cool to be able to score a goal like that and take it all in.»
That's the human part, the ego drops, and the kid shows up.
#63 added «Tahoe was probably my favorite, just because of the uniqueness of it. You felt like you were a kid playing under the stars again, and it's just such a unique opportunity in that sense as well. Obviously, a different time in the world at that time, but an incredible, incredible experience. It was beautiful.»
In that 2021 Lake Tahoe game, he posted two assists in a 7-3 Bruins win
«Those are things we never expected to do,» Marchand said.
In the 2023 Winter Classic at Fenway Park, he had an assist in a 2-1 Bruins win.
Now he's doing it in new colors, after Boston traded him to Florida on March 7, and after he signed a six-year, $31.5 million deal. He leads the Panthers with 21 goals, 21 assists, and 42 points.
«His game is better now than it was in the playoffs for us last year, because he's got more time with these guys and he understands everybody.'' Paul Maurice said.
«Whether it's raining or it's snowing or it's sunshine or it's cold, you're going to enjoy it,» he said. «Because you may never get to do it again.» He added.