It’s cliche to say that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts, but in this instance, it’s a great example of exactly that.’

Florida Panthers Coach Paul Maurice said he "didn't love" his team's play despite a 5-2 thrashing of the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals.

Panthers head coach Paul Maurice explained that the team has no ego thanks to long-time center Aleksander Barkov.

Marchand was ejected at 8:15 of the third period after reacting to a puck shot at him by Gostisbehere. The Panthers forward dropped his gloves and engaged the Carolina defenseman, landing a few punches before taking him to the ice.

Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Florida Panthers and the Carolina Hurricanes was cut short for Brad Marchand.

Paul Maurice after witnessing the Marchand tradition firsthand Thursday: "They're shooting them as hard as they can … It is funny as hell."

He certainly is enjoying life, both on and off the ice. The hope is that another Stanley Cup is on the horizon. Lion and Adalee already got to experience it once, with Gadjovich and wife Allison putting both of them inside the Cup as the Panthers celebrated the victory last June.

Things have worked out very well for Jones, who singed some bridges on his way out of Chicago but now finds himself on the verge of the Cup Final mere months later.