Brad Marchand is everyone’s favorite player in Florida at the moment. Even former enemies are changing their opinions about the “rat.” Now, after Marchand scored the game-winner for Florida in Game 2, Hall of Fame goalie Roberto Luongo has shared his true thoughts on the veteran—and it’s definitely a bold take.
Roberto Luongo and Brad Marchand have a special history. Luongo was the star netminder for the Vancouver Canucks during the 2011 Stanley Cup Final between the Canucks and the Boston Bruins. Marchand was just a 21-year-old rookie at the time, but he didn’t play like one.
He scored five goals in the seven-game series, including two in the decisive Game 7, where the Canucks were chasing their first Stanley Cup in franchise history. Luongo never won a Cup—and Marchand played a big role in that, thanks to his performance in that iconic series.
Luongo’s bold take on Brad Marchand
But now, things are different. Roberto Luongo currently works as a special adviser to Florida Panthers general manager Bill Zito. Although he never won a Cup as a player, Luongo has already tasted success in the front office, as the Panthers captured the Stanley Cup last year. Now, they’re looking to go back-to-back, and on Friday night, they tied the Final series against the Edmonton Oilers 1-1—thanks in large part to Brad Marchand.
The veteran forward gave the Panthers a 4–3 lead with a short-handed goal in the second period, and in double overtime, he sealed the win with yet another breakaway goal. Since being acquired from the Bruins at the trade deadline, Marchand has been immense—and a huge part of Florida’s playoff success.
And it seems even his former enemies are coming around. After Marchand’s Game 2 heroics, Luongo took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his true thoughts on the veteran forward—and it’s a bold one, considering their past.
“Favorite player of all time,” Luongo wrote.
READ MORE: Brad Marchand’s mom’s wholesome reaction to Game 2 OT goal
