Marchand magic: Nova Scotians cheer on Panthers’ star forward

First at five we preview game six of the Stanley Cup Final. No matter who ends up taking home the cup, many Maritimers are calling it a win-win.

As the Florida Panthers and Brad Marchand gear up for Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, many Nova Scotians aren’t just watching – they’re cheering on one of their own.

A veteran forward and proud Nova Scotian, Marchand has the chance to add a second Stanley Cup ring to his collection Tuesday. The 37-year-old won his first as a member of the Boston Bruins in 2011 and, after a mid-season trade, is looking to help the Panthers win back-to-back championship titles.

Marchand has six goals in five Stanley Cup games this season and has become a key piece of the Panthers’ playoff puzzle. Fans in Nova Scotia are taking notice.

Paul Gallagher is a retired NHL scout who spent 10 seasons working with the Florida Panthers. He says Marchand has fit in seamlessly with Florida.

“Brad fits in so well, because he’s a hard worker,” said Gallagher, who has been watching Marchand since he played Midget hockey with his son. “And he really fits in with this style of play, because he likes the rough going and he likes to get in the corner. It was the perfect fit at the trade deadline.”

Glace Bay native Logan Shaw is part of the Toronto Maple Leafs organization and captain of the Toronto Marlies, but he’s still cheering for his friend.

“The way that he (Marchand) works and his personality itself, it’s not going to be hard for him to fit in anywhere he went,” said Shaw. “It just so happens that Florida plays the exact way that he’s built. He plays hard, he’s going to compete every shift, he’ll finish his checks, but he’ll score goals, he’s just a great hockey player.”

With his playoff push and strong play in the Stanley Cup Finals, Marchand is now in the conversation to win the Conn Smythe Trophy as Stanley Cup MVP.

“I think he’s warranted a real good chance at being MVP,” said Brad Crossley, a hockey coach who helps trains many NHLers during the offseason. “Should Florida win, Brad certainly deserves the call.”

When it comes to calls, Hockey Canada announced its first six selections for the 2026 men’s Olympic roster. Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon are the only two Nova Scotians on the list right now but, with the way Marchand is playing, Crossley says it wouldn’t come as a surprise to see him get the Olympic call.

“Brad deserves a real strong look,” said Crossley. “He’s still a difference maker and you can’t not have those kind of guys on your team.”

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