The Florida Panthers fell to the Toronto Maple Leafs by a 4-3 final score in Game 2 of the second round. With this, the Panthers are now down 2-0 in the series and are now facing a must-win Game 3 at home because of it.
While speaking to reporters following the game, including NHL insider Chris Johnston, Marchand noted that the Maple Leafs are a "very different" team than when he faced off against them during his days with the Boston Bruins.
"They came ready to play," Marchand said. "We see that."
Marchand has plenty of playoff history against the Maple Leafs, as he faced off against them four times during his time with the Bruins and won each time. However, given the Maple Leafs' hot start to this series, Marchand and the Panthers are in danger of potentially falling to Toronto.
While the Maple Leafs have had the Panthers' number early on this series, Marchand is undoubtedly doing his part for the Cats. In two games this series, No. 63 has three points and a plus-3 rating. This includes a goal in Game 2 that gave the Panthers a 2-1 lead early in the second period.
It is now going to be interesting to see if Marchand and the Panthers can bounce back and get by the Maple Leafs in the second from here. Clearly, the Leafs are on their A-game right now, and Marchand is noticing it.
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