FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida — Brad Marchand understands what makes outdoor NHL games so special. Of the 1,136 regular season games he played in the League, three were away.
“These are the games you remember,” said the 37-year-old striker. “I’ve played a lot of games in this league, and they’re all the same. Years go by. I probably couldn’t tell you what happened in many regular season games. But I could go on and on about the moments that happen in these outdoor games.”
And here’s the thing: Until NHL.com told him, Marchand didn’t realize he had four points (one goal, three assists) in three outdoor games. He didn’t even realize he was 3-0-0. He said he never thought about it.
Ultimately, what sticks with you most is the unique sight and experience: the sights, the sounds, the feeling of playing in the cold.
Or, in this case, heat.
Marchand’s fourth outdoor NHL game will be his first in the Sunshine State. The Florida Panthers host the New York Rangers at LoanDepot Park in Miami on Friday (8 p.m. ET; HBO Max, truTV, TNT, SNW, SNO, SNE, TVAS).
“I don’t think any of us ever thought that would be a possibility,” Marchand said. “To see the game grow to the point it has in Florida, where we have outdoor games here, is pretty incredible. But yeah, playing in the heat, seeing everyone in shorts and t-shirts, will be pretty remarkable. It’s pretty special what they’re doing, creating this opportunity.”
