And what was it like? What happened to you that you started over again at a critical time in a critical game?
“To be honest, it’s blurry,” said Marchand. “It all happens so fast and you’re exhausted at that point in the game. It’s a second of the game. It could be anyone. I think it’s the person who’s working to the moment that creates those opportunities.”
This was Merchand’s 12th goal and the 33rd playoff point in 31 games against the Maple Leafs, tied Henri Richard with a playoff point third with Toronto. He will only track Gordy Howe’s 53 points in 55 games and Alex Delvecchio’s 35 points in 41 games.
“He’s great for us in the locker room, on the ice,” goalkeeper Sergei Bobrovsky said. “He’s a good leader. Having him by our side is great. I’ve been competing with him for the rest of my life. He’s always got me. It’s great to be by our side right now.”
It’s a much better experience.
“I swear,” Panthers coach Paul Maurice said.
Shy for two days of his 37th birthday, Marchand defeated Mike Huff (33, 96 days) in Game 5 of the 1996 conference semi-finals, becoming the oldest player in Panthers history (36, 363 days) with overtime targets.
It was his fourth career playoff overtime goal, with only five people, Patrick Kane, Corey Perry and Carter Verhaege, supporting the goal. It was his 14th career playoff game winner and gave him the most of the active players.
Merchand appears to be far less than his age in these playoffs, playing on the Panthers’ best third line alongside Anton Randell and Ettu Luastalinen.
“When Merchand is on the line, it just adds more creativity to the line,” said Maple Leafs coach Craig Belve. “He’s a good player and he plays. The subtle little things he does on the ice. Make it an offensive, more dangerous line.”
