Brad Marchand’s performance on Wednesday night was not only a reminder of his elite skill but also a humorous response to NHL on TNT analyst Paul Bissonnette’s playful jabs earlier in the day. The Boston Bruins captain delivered two goals in the second period of a 4–2 win against the Chicago Blackhawks, just hours after Bissonnette mocked his struggles on the power play and “suspended” him from contention for the show’s “Mr. TNT” honor. Marchand’s dominant performance seemed like the perfect rebuttal to the teasing, effectively shutting down any talk of his earlier struggles.

Before the game, Bissonnette humorously targeted Marchand’s power-play efficiency, which had been a point of contention in recent weeks. The TNT crew, in their usual playful manner, had a lighthearted segment where Bissonnette declared that Marchand’s poor power-play numbers disqualified him from being considered for the “Mr. TNT” title. This kind of friendly chirping is a staple of hockey culture, especially among former players and analysts who enjoy keeping things light, even during the most intense matchups.

However, Marchand took the opportunity to respond in the most fitting way: by leading his team to victory with two key goals. After the game, Marchand joined the TNT crew for a post-game interview, and he wasted no time in firing back at Bissonnette. “It feels great (scoring goals),” Marchand said. “It’s whatever it takes. I know you haven’t had that opportunity, but it feels good.” Marchand’s comment was a direct shot at Bissonnette, who has become known for his entertaining analysis but never had the same scoring touch during his playing days.

The banter didn’t stop there. Marchand continued to tease Bissonnette, referencing Spittin’ Chiclets, the popular podcast Bissonnette co-hosts with former NHL player Ryan Whitney. “I don’t mind riding coattails, just like you rode [Ryan] Whitney’s coattails all the way to Spittin’ Chiclets,” Marchand quipped, adding a touch of humor that only heightened the friendly rivalry between the two. It was clear that Marchand enjoyed the back-and-forth and was happy to take the opportunity to poke fun at Bissonnette’s media career.

Bissonnette, of course, took the ribbing in stride, knowing that the friendly chirps were all part of the game. Marchand’s remarks about Spittin’ Chiclets were all in good fun, as both he and Bissonnette have long been known for their sharp wit and their ability to keep things light, even in the heat of competition. This type of interaction is part of what makes the NHL community so unique—players and analysts can banter with each other while still showing mutual respect for each other’s skills and accomplishments.

During the interview, Marchand also took a moment to reflect on how chirping used to be an integral part of his game. “It’s a fun part of the game that I miss nowadays,” he said. “Back when we played against each other, it was every shift. That’s something I didn’t want to give up.” Marchand’s words highlighted the ever-evolving nature of the NHL, where the intensity on the ice has remained, but the personalities and interactions off the ice have evolved as well.

Marchand’s performance on Wednesday night also underscored his importance to the Bruins. The two goals in the win against the Blackhawks brought his season total to 10 goals and 10 assists, showing that despite any previous struggles, he is still one of the most impactful players in the league. His ability to rise to the occasion, especially when faced with external pressure or friendly teasing, proves that Marchand thrives in competitive environments.

As a veteran player, Marchand’s leadership on the ice is invaluable to the Bruins, especially in their pursuit of another deep playoff run. With the win, Boston extended their win streak to three games and solidified their position in the Atlantic Division. Currently, they are just three points behind the Toronto Maple Leafs, who lead the division, with a 14-11-3 record. The Bruins have shown resilience throughout the season, and Marchand’s ability to contribute consistently is a big reason for their success.

For the Bruins, having Marchand at the top of his game is crucial. While the team has many talented players, including star forward David Pastrnak, Marchand’s leadership and scoring ability provide the backbone to their offensive attack. His experience, both in terms of skill and mental toughness, is something that the younger players on the team can learn from, and his ability to silence critics—whether external or internal—is a testament to his character and determination.

As the season progresses, the Bruins will rely on Marchand to continue performing at a high level. His performance against the Blackhawks, in particular, was a reminder of just how important he is to the team’s success. With each game, Marchand adds to his legacy as one of the most effective players in the league, not just in terms of skill but also in terms of leadership and resilience.

Off the ice, Marchand’s relationship with Bissonnette and others in the hockey media world speaks to the camaraderie that exists within the NHL. While players may be fierce competitors on the ice, they are also part of a larger community that enjoys poking fun at one another in a good-natured way. Marchand and Bissonnette’s banter highlights the lighter side of the sport and provides fans with a glimpse into the personalities of the players beyond their on-ice performances.

Looking ahead, Marchand’s goalscoring and leadership will be essential as the Bruins look to close the gap between themselves and the division-leading Maple Leafs. With the playoffs on the horizon, every win counts, and the team will need players like Marchand to step up when it matters most. Whether it’s responding to a playful roast or delivering a game-winning performance, Marchand’s presence on the ice continues to make a significant impact for the Bruins.