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 HC Paul Maurice thinks the less talked-about facet of hockey games has lost its charm. “Chirping? It’s almost completely disappeared… They’re (Players are) not as funny as they used to be.” Well then, it’s a good thing his team has, what you may call ‘the proper old school’ player and who Maurice believes is “Funny”– Brad Marchand.

When Marchand moved to Florida after 16 long seasons in Boston, many would have thought that the first meeting with the new teammates would be no short of awkward. And why not? The Panthers have been a thorn for the Bruins’ playoff hopes all this while, and in extension, for Marchand. But when he entered the locker room, he didn’t take the extra friendly nice-guy route. At 37-years of age and 17 years in the NHL, he is certainly wise enough to not choose that. So what did he do? Sam Bennett confessed, “When he got on our team, he was chirping guys right away, and chirping me right away which I just loved.” And that is exactly what the Panthers are truly appreciating about Brad.

HC Paul Maurice was clear about the expectations too, “He’s at a point in his career where he doesn’t have to change his personality to fit in. Clearly, we don’t want him to.” And of course, when it comes to chirping on the opponents, it’s even better. While after beating the Toronto Maple Leafs once again today, a Leafs fan chirped at Brad and he just looked him in the eyes with a sly smile on his face, Marchand in front of his opponents is quite different. Earlier, when Brad scored for the Panthers for the very first time against Detroit Red Wings, giving them a 3-1 lead, he had a lots to say to the opponents as well. Then, Maurice had said, “That’s a part of the package and an important part of it. He’s got lots to say and it makes it fun.” No wonder his teammates too believe in his energy.

In the recent sit down with the media after the optional skate, Anton Lundell, who not long ago might have also got a little chirping from Brad, had a glowing review on what’s it like to play with him now. “It’s never a boring moment around Brad. He’s one of those guys; it’s always fun to be around him, and you never know what he’s gonna say next. You’re always kind of on your toes, but it’s been awesome to play with him. We talk about a lot as a line, and go through some plays and we can do better but just his attitude, his leadership has been very impressive,” the Panthers center told the media.

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.

Teammate Matthew Tkachuk also believes and follows that the latest Panthers addition also, “Probably just got the experience against some of these guys, and knows when to get them off their game. Like, he’s smart with that stuff. He’s got some pretty good chirps.” And that seems to be the common notion in the Panthers locker room. What’s more? The former Bruin doesn’t just talk the talk, but walks the walk.

Brad Marchand, the difference maker

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 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 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.