Bruins' Playoff Push Slowed by Panthers

Florida's former star Marchand receives standing ovation in Boston return

Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:31am

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A dynamic, fragmented painting in the style of Picasso, with overlapping geometric shapes and planes of navy, green, and red representing the action and energy of a hockey game between the Boston Bruins and Florida Panthers.A fractured, cubist depiction of the emotional reunion between former Bruins star Brad Marchand and his old Boston fans as his new team, the Florida Panthers, dealt a blow to the Bruins' playoff hopes.Boston Today

The Boston Bruins' playoff hopes took a hit as they fell to the Florida Panthers 4-2 in a key late-season matchup. Former Bruins star Brad Marchand, now playing for the Panthers, received a standing ovation from the Boston crowd during his first game back in the city.

Why it matters

The loss is a setback for the Bruins, who are battling for a playoff spot in the tight Eastern Conference race. Marchand's return to Boston as a member of the rival Panthers added extra drama and emotion to the game.

The details

The Bruins jumped out to an early 2-0 lead, but the Panthers stormed back with four unanswered goals, including two from Marchand against his former team. Marchand, who spent over 15 seasons with the Bruins, was honored with a standing ovation from the TD Garden crowd during a first-period break.

  • The game was played on April 2, 2026.
  • Marchand spent over 15 seasons with the Bruins before being traded to the Panthers in 2024.

The players

Boston Bruins

An NHL hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts.

Florida Panthers

An NHL hockey team based in Sunrise, Florida.

Brad Marchand

A 33-year-old left wing who played for the Boston Bruins for over 15 seasons before being traded to the Florida Panthers in 2024.

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What they’re saying

“It was a special moment to be back in this building and see the fans give me that kind of ovation. I have a lot of great memories here and it was nice to feel that support one more time.”

— Brad Marchand, Florida Panthers Left Wing

What’s next

The Bruins will look to bounce back in their next game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on April 5th, while the Panthers will try to build on this win as they continue their push for a playoff spot.

The takeaway

Marchand's emotional return to Boston as a member of the rival Panthers added extra drama to this key late-season matchup, which ultimately went the way of the visiting team and dealt a blow to the Bruins' postseason aspirations.