from Dan Rosen of NHL.com,

Talk to players who regularly face Steve Ott and Brad Marchand and one thing you'll hear is their skill sets are as impressive as their mouths are loud.

"The most important thing is they can play," Montreal Canadiens forward Brendan Gallagher told NHL.com. "If they weren't able to play the game, no one would pay attention to them. They're important players for their team, and they play an important role. You add in the fact they can play that agitator role, they can get under the skin of their opponent, and that is a skill as well. They both have that ability, and I guess they're both pretty good at it."...

Ott had 24 points in 48 games last season and averaged more than 38 points over the prior four seasons. Marchand had 18 goals and 36 points in 45 games last season after putting up career highs across the board in 2011-12 with 28 goals, 27 assists and 55 points.

They know they're on their game and at their most annoying when the opponent is trying to talk back at them. Ott said he regularly hears it from players on the bench and even opposing coaches. He smiles and keeps talking because he knows whatever he's saying is making an impact and helping his team.

"When you're not effective is when the other team is quiet toward you, no one is saying a word out there," Ott told NHL.com. "Those awkward situations, that's the telltale sign that you're not effective. But when guys on the bench are yelling at you, opposing coaches, then you're doing your job."

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