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The perception of Brad Marchand is one thing. Reality, the Florida Panthers have learned, is another

  • The Florida Panthers acquired Brad Marchand, known as the 'little ball of hate,' before facing the Toronto Maple Leafs in an Eastern Conference second-round series starting Monday night in Toronto.
  • The Panthers knew Marchand's reputation and history of rivalry with Toronto, where fans often boo him, stemming from past seven-game series won by Boston against Toronto.
  • Marchand, who had played solely for Boston throughout his NHL tenure, faced difficulties adapting after his trade to Florida due to injury recovery, but accepted the change with the goal of competing for another Stanley Cup against his former team.
  • Panthers fans celebrate wins by throwing toy plastic rats, a tradition dating to the 1995-96 season when Scott Mellanby killed a rat before opening night, and teammates now playfully fire rats at Marchand's legs after games.
  • Marchand and coach Paul Maurice emphasize the difference between on-ice perception and personal character, noting Marchand's intense playing style sometimes crosses lines but reflects commitment to the team and sport.
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The perception of Brad Marchand is one thing. Reality, the Florida Panthers have learned, is another

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Brad Marchand is many things. Sarcastic, most definitely. A pest on the ice, absolutely. Someone who doesn't mind a little bonus physicality, goes without saying. His “little ball of hate” nickname even got repeated once…

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  • 47% of the sources lean Left, 47% of the sources are Center
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WPTV broke the news in on Monday, May 5, 2025.
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