Same Old Marchy, New Look Panthers
Brad Marchand is no stranger to quirky routines—from penne pasta meals to pregame Xbox sessions and MTV Jams during his Boston days. But now, in Florida, the veteran winger is writing a new chapter of superstition. After donning a sharp navy suit with white windowpane checks before the Game 7 win over the Maple Leafs, Marchand has stuck with it every game. The Panthers are 3–1 in the Eastern Conference Final, and the “lucky suit” is fast becoming a symbol of their playoff push.
Superstition Spreads in the Locker Room
Teammate Aaron Ekblad has also been spotted in a similar suit, raising eyebrows and spirits alike. The trend kicked off after Marchand’s Game 7 win attire drew attention online. With Florida aiming to close the series against Carolina, fans are watching to see whether the suit makes a return—or if Game 4’s loss sends it into retirement.
The Rat Trick Reboot
It’s not just suits fueling Florida’s fun. Marchand has also become the center of the Panthers’ modern twist on the “Rat Trick”—a nod to their 1996 playoff tradition. After each win, teammates pelt him with plastic rats, originally sparked by Evan Rodrigues and embraced by stars like Tkachuk and Barkov. Even away games haven’t spared him, with Panthers fans launching toy rodents in Raleigh after a Game 2 win.
Fitting In by Standing Out
The veteran forward, often called a “rat” by opponents, has embraced the ironic role in Florida’s culture. “They see my family on the ice and want us to be together,” Marchand joked, referencing the playful postgame attacks. The team has fully leaned into the theme, with rat-themed merch now a staple at the Panthers’ team store.
Playoff Pulse Check
The Panthers, up 3–1 in the series, look poised for a Stanley Cup Final run. But with Marchand’s suit superstition and rat ritual gaining traction, it’s clear the team is enjoying the ride. Head coach Paul Maurice summed it up: “Now they’re ripping the plastic rats off Marchy, and it’s funny as hell.”
Marchand’s legacy in Boston was built on grit, talent, and mischief. In Florida, he’s bringing that same energy—just in a different suit.