Photo: WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Even though the Boston Bruins did not make the playoffs this year, many fans find themselves with a rooting interest in the Stanley Cup Finals.
Former captain Brad Marchand was traded to the Florida Panthers in March, with the Bruins receiving a compensatory second-round draft pick in return. That pick will now be in the first round, since Marchand played in more than 50 percent of the Panthers' playoff games as they advanced to the Stanley Cup Final for a third straight year.
Despite the fact that the Panthers knocked the Bruins out of the playoffs in 2023 and 2024, many fans have no problem seeing the Panthers succeed if it means Marchand gets another Stanley Cup. His first came in his rookie season with the Bruins in 2011.
“It is what it is,” said one fan rooting for Marchand.
Similar to how Bruins fans rallied behind the Colorado Avalanche to see legend Ray Bourque get his first Stanley Cup, many current fans will be cheering hard for the Panthers to get it done.
“Yeah, I actually am [rooting for them] because it’s Marchand. He’s awesome,” said one fan.
“Absolutely, I couldn’t be any happier for him and I think it’s fantastic what he’s doing,” said another fan.
However, there are still some fans cheering on the Edmonton Oilers to beat the Panthers, unable to forgive the Panthers for ending the Bruins’ historic 2023 season.
“I’m still holding a grudge. They’ve been eliminating us the last few years. You don’t want to see them go back-to-back. I’d like to see somebody else win it,” said one man.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Chris Fama (CFamaWBZ) reports.