Anyone who watches hockey with any regularity at all knows that Brad Marchand of the Boston Bruins is a master at getting under opponent's skin. He can do it with actions and he can do it with words. In Friday's game between the Bruins and New York Rangers, Marchand appeared to be in top form as he managed to get Artemi Panarin so riled up that he threw his glove at Marchand in the dying seconds of the third while the two were arguing on the bench. Now, we're getting an idea of exactly what Marchand was saying that brought out Panarin's anger.

"According to a source, Marchand made some Russian-centric comments toward Panarin — along the lines of "no one likes you there" while bringing up Russian President Vladimir Putin, of whom Panarin has been critical in the past. Panarin clearly had enough. Those don't seem like fine-worthy comments, but they might not sit well with the league," wrote Arthur Staple of The Athletic.

As you may recall, Panarin was falsely accused of assaulting an 18-year-old woman at a bar in 2011 by his former KHL coach and adamant Putin supporter Andrei Nazarov. Panarin, fearing for his family, ended up taking a leave of absence from the Rangers to travel to Russia to ensure they were ok.

Related: NHL DOPS PUNISHES RANGERS FORWARD ARTEMI PANARIN FOR GLOVE THROWING INCIDENT

PANARIN EXPLAINS WHY HE THREW HIS GLOVE AT MARCHAND; COMMENTS ON FINE FROM THE LEAGUE

It's solely a matter of opinion whether these comments by Marchand crossed a line. They certainly are deeply personal, in contrast to the more common generic chirps we hear from hockey players. What can't be argued is that the comments certainly worked. Panarin was clearly frustrated and unhappy with whatever it was that Marchand said.

PREVIOUSLY ON
MARKERZONE