Matthew Tkachuk explains why Panthers shoot plastic rats at Brad Marchand
Briefly

Brad Marchand, now playing for the Florida Panthers, has humorously embraced a bizarre postgame tradition where teammates pelt him with plastic rats following victories. This custom emerged during the playoffs, with players like Matthew Tkachuk and Aleksander Barkov actively participating in the fun after winning the Prince of Wales Trophy. While its origins are unclear, Tkachuk and Rodrigues spoke about its growth, showcasing the camaraderie and laid-back attitude of the Panthers. Marchand, despite being called "the rat," has accepted this quirky ritual, embodying the team's focus on fun over seriousness in competitive sports.
The tradition of launching plastic rats at Marchand after wins has become a quirky bonding experience among the Panthers players, emphasizing fun and team spirit.
Tkachuk explained how the tradition started informally during a playoff win, highlighting the camaraderie and playful nature of the Panthers team.
Marchand's acceptance of this unusual postgame ritual contrasts with typical sports norms, showcasing a light-hearted side of fierce competition.
While the origins are hazy, Rodrigues confirmed his role in the ongoing rat-throwing celebration, showing how spontaneously enjoyable moments can develop in a team.
Read at Boston.com
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