from Ben Frederickson of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch,

The Blues said entering this series that their goal is to stick to hockey with Marchand. Just ignore him, Blues bruiser Pat Maroon said. The rat can’t live beneath your skin if it’s made of Teflon, right? But here’s something to ponder as Game 2 approaches. What if ignored Marchand is the best version of Marchand? What if the Bruins see this aspect of the Blues’ plan as a gift?

If Marchand is worried about instigating or retaliating more than he is concentrated on making great plays, might that be best for the Blues? Fine line, considering the Blues already are kicking themselves for being baited into silly penalties in Game 1. But consider what former Blues captain David Backes said about the player who, for him, has transitioned from obnoxious opponent to beloved teammate since the two joined forces with the Bruins in 2016.

“He is becoming more focused as a hockey player, more than as a shenanigans leader,” Backes said. “When he plays hockey, he’s very tough to contain, very tough to beat, very tough to play against. And when he’s focused, he’s the best Brad Marchand that we can ask for. When he’s distracted, looking for other stuff, he can stop playing hockey for a while. And that’s what you want (as a foe). That’s what I would do as an opponent.”

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