There is an interesting history between Roberto Luongo and Brad Marchand. Going all the way back to the 2011 Stanley Cup Final, the two current members of the Florida Panthers – Luongo is a special advisor to Cats General Manager Bill ZIto, Marchand is starring as key forward – faced each other while members of the Vancouver Canucks and Boston Bruins, respectively. During that Final, which was won by Boston in seven games, Marchand scored a shorthanded goal on Luongo during Game 3 on June 6, 2011. It was the then 21-year-old Marchand’s first of five goals in the series as Boston came back from an 0-2 deficit to win the franchise’s first Stanley Cup in 39 years. He had three combined goals in Game 6 and 7, both won by the Bruins while simultaneously denying Vancouver their first championship in franchise history. For those who remember, it was a crushing defeat for Luongo and the Canucks. Well, now here we are, 14 years later, and it appears that any bad feelings have wilted away over time. After Florida’s thrilling 5-4 double overtime victory in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final in Edmonton – a game that Marchand scored twice, including the OT winner – Luongo took to social media to express his feelings about the veteran goal scorer. It appears time does heal all wounds. We also learned after the game that the feelings were mutual. Speaking after he scored the OT winner on Friday, Marchand was alerted to Luongo’s post. “Lu is awesome,” Marchand said with a smile. “He’s an incredible person. I’m happy to be on his team.” Marchand finished with 11 goals and 19 points in 25 games during Boston’s Cup run in 2011. He’s up to seven goals and 17 points in 19 games so far this year with Florida. Back in 2011, the Conn Smythe Trophy went to Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas despite Marchand’s impact in the Final and postseason as a whole. Right now, he could be the favorite in many voters’ eyes, but this Final is far from over. We’ll see how things play out over the next week or so. LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS - FLORIDA Brad Marchand proving to be perfect fit with Florida Panthers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/players/brad-marchand-proving-to-be-perfect-fit-with-florida-panthers] Three takeaways: Gus Forsling bounces back in big way, Sam Bennett loves playing on road [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/three-takeaways-gus-forsling-bounces-back-in-big-way-sam-bennett-loves-playing-on-road] Brad Marchand scores double OT winner as Panthers win to tie Stanley Cup Final [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/game-day/brad-marchand-scores-double-ot-winner-as-panthers-win-to-tie-stanley-cup-final] Panthers' Sam Bennett Sets New Incredible NHL Record [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/panthers-sam-bennett-sets-new-incredible-nhl-record] 3 Panthers Who Need Big Performances In Game 2 vs. Oilers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/3-panthers-who-need-big-performances-in-game-2-vs-oilers] Photo caption: Nov 4, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Florida Panthers goalie Roberto Luongo (1) makes a save as Boston Bruins left wing Brad Marchand (63) collides with him during the third period of Boston's 2-1 overtime win at TD Garden. (Winslow Townson-Imagn Images)
