Brad Marchand leads incredible first period feat in Panthers-Kings
The Florida Panthers (7-6-1) and the Los Angeles Kings (6-5-4) snapped a four-game losing streak in October and struggled to find their form in the early stages of the 2025-26 NHL season. Because of this, the stakes were higher than usual for a match in early November. They each came out of the gate hot, combining to make for an incredibly entertaining first period. Nostalgia and experience ruled in the Cripto.com Arena.
After 2025 Conn Smith Trophy winner Sam Bennett scored just over two minutes into the action, two-time Frank J Trophy winner. Selke Anze Kopitar hit the puck to tie the game about halfway through the period. Former Hart Memorial Trophy winner Corey Perry, now representing his seventh different NHL franchise, lit the lamp for a breakaway goal to put the Kings on top soon after. Panthers left wing Brad Marchand closed the bedlam by pulling the biscuit into the net.
Florida and LA went into the break with two goals each and an impressive history. It was the first time in history that three players over the age of 37 — Kopitar, Perry and Marchand — scored in the first period of the same game, according to OptaSTATS. Father Time was apparently not in Los Angeles Thursday night.
Brad Marchand helps the Panthers earn a much-needed W
Marchand added another goal in the third period to seal a 5-2 road win for the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions. All of these aging talents are still skilled enough to make a significant impact in the twilight of their careers. However, maintaining a high level of play is the hard part. Marchand doesn’t have much trouble in that area.
The two-time champion and Panthers x-factor now has nine goals on the campaign, including six in his last five games. He is rejuvenated since landing in Sunrise at last year’s trade deadline.
Since the captain Aleksander Barkov suffered ACL and MCL injuries September, others should step up. Brad Marchand certainly did that against the Kings. He will try to maintain his youthful production when Florida faces the San Jose Sharks (5-6-3) this Saturday night.
2025-11-07 07:28:00
