Chirping in hockey doesn’t really grab the spotlight like a big hit or a serious war of words that evolves into a brawl. Remember Tom Wilson vs. Josh Anderson’s fight in Round 1 of this year’s playoffs? So it’s no wonder Paul Maurice thinks the less talked-about facet of hockey games has lost its charm. “Chirping? It’s almost completely disappeared… They’re not as funny as they used to be,” Maurice said about the current and upcoming generation of players in April. Well then, it’s a good thing his team has Brad Marchand.

Marchand came in at the tail end of the regular season after seeing 16 seasons with the Bruins. Yet he fit the Panthers’ style like a glove. The 36-year-old is what you would call properly old school, and so is his chirping. Don’t take my word for it. Maurice said it himself. “It’s nice having Brad back. Marchand in our group, cause he’s funny,” said the coach. So it’s safe to say Maurice likes the NHL veteran getting under the opponent’s skin. But what about the players?

When asked about Brad Marchand’s chirping effect on opponents and maybe even his teammates, Anton Lundell had a glowing review. “It’s never a boring moment around Brad,” the Panthers star said. What adds to this excitement is the sheer range of former Bruins’ chirping skills. “He’s one of those guys; it’s always fun to be around him, and you never know what he’s gonna say next,” the Panthers center told the media.

“You’re always kind of on your toes, but it’s been awesome to play with him… Just his attitude, his leadership has been very impressive,” added the 23-year-old hockey star. You don’t have to look back to see an example of the former Bruins captain bringing his leadership abilities to the Panthers camp. In fact, Marchand became the perfect inspiration for Lundell and Co. by showing up at the Panthers’ optional skate.

The NHL veteran didn’t have to come, as the reporter suggested. Lundell backed it up, saying that despite being in the league for so long, Brad Marchand doesn’t slack off. The veteran hockey forward is looking to improve and take the rest of the Panthers along the same path. What’s more? The former Bruin doesn’t just talk the talk, but walks the walk.

Brad Marchand, the difference maker

Let’s be real. Marchand’s exit from the Bruins after 16 seasons was not easy. The captain did want to stay with the team, but just couldn’t reach a deal. So his last moment transfer was a shock. However, despite the sudden departure, Brad Marchand adjusted to the Panthers game in weeks. And it’s the hunger that Anton Lundell mentioned that’s helped Marchand shine so quickly.

By the second week of April, Brad Marchand had scored his first goal for the Panthers. “It’s a very aggressive style. I mean, that is kind of how I play,” said the NHL star. Since then, Marchand’s contribution to the Florida Panthers team has been monumental. Case in point: Game 3 against the Maple Leafs. Just when it looked like the Toronto Maple Leafs would repeat their Round 1 feat of going 3-0 up against their opponents, the Panthers hit back.

A scrappy, scrappy Game 3 saw the Panthers give it their all to reduce the deficit. And just when it seemed like things could go either way, it went in the Panthers’ favor. Florida’s newest NHL veteran scored the decisive overtime game-winning goal, keeping the defending champions’ Stanley Cup dream alive. “I remember those,” Marchand said after scoring yet another overtime game winner against the Leafs in the playoffs.

Game 4 saw the Panthers take control, with Big Game Bob in front of the net. The Florida Panthers tied the series 2-2 as Sergei Bobrovski kept a clean sheet in Game 4, but it all started with them winning Game 3 thanks to Brad Marchand’s goal. While it’s hard to say the tide has shifted, Game 5 will decide who takes the series lead.