Coach Paul Maurice Enjoys Team Custom: Firing Rats at Brad Marchand (Panthers)
The Florida Panthers have embraced a novel team tradition, throwing rubber rats onto the ice as a tribute to Brad Marchand, who is affectionately known as "The Rat". This playful gesture, initiated following a Game 7 victory against the Toronto Maple Leafs, escalated during the Eastern Conference Final against the Carolina Hurricanes. The Panthers clinched two victories in Raleigh and are now set to face the Hurricanes in Game 3 at home.
The rubber rat tradition, dating back to 1995, was born when a live rat infiltrated the Panthers' locker room. Scott Mellanby famously chased the rodent with a stick, and fans responded by showering the ice with plastic rats after every goal. The tradition resurfaced recently, taking a comical twist in honor of Marchand[3].
The team's coach, Paul Maurice, seems to appreciate this newfound tradition. With the Panthers leading the Eastern Conference Final 2-0, it's unlikely that he'll discourage the players from continuing this lighthearted celebration[2]. Florida's impressive offensive output and solid goaltending have created an invigorating atmosphere, positioning them as a formidable contender in the playoffs[2][4].
During the rubber rat tradition, fans shower the ice with plastic rats after every goal, symbolizing their support for the Florida Panthers in honor of Brad Marchand, also known as "The Rat". In the lighthearted celebration, it seems unlikely that the team's coach, Paul Maurice, will discourage the players, especially with the Panthers leading the NHL's Eastern Conference Final 2-0, displaying impressive offensive output and solid goaltending in the process.
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