Marchand has noticed a difference in the Maple Leafs' physicality this season.

Brad Marchand has always expected the Toronto Maple Leafs to bring a more physical game into the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but the Boston Bruins captain has noticed the difference in Toronto over previous years.

"They're playing a really good playoff-type game right now, you know, you knew they would," Marchand told reporters on Tuesday. "They're built different than in the past years. They're playing a lot more physical, very committed to forechecking, playing very tight defensively. So you got to give them credit. You know, they're one of the top teams for a reason. And then when you add their offense ability on top of that, they're a tough team to play right now."

The Maple Leafs defeated the Bruins 3-2 on Monday to even up their best-of-seven series at a game apiece. Even though Boston defeated Toronto 5-1 in Game 1, Marchand felt it didn't reflect what took place in the contest.

"It was a different game than the score," Marchand said. "We have to continue to be better. You know, it's a very tight playoff series. We knew it was going to be a battle, and, you know, they showed up. They're playing for keeps."

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEaj-asOsl8[/embed]

The Maple Leafs have added several more physical players this season under first-year general manager Brad Treliving. In addition to bringing in Ryan Reaves, Max Domi and Joel Edmundson among others, the Leafs also signed Tyler Bertuzzi during the summer. Bertuzzi was teammates with Boston for a portion of last season and led the club with 10 points in seven playoff games.

Following the end of Game 2, Bertuzzi and Marchand exchanged words before an official had to separate them.

"That's between me and Brad," Bertuzzi said after the game on Monday.

Marchand closed his availability by saying his team hasn't played its best hockey yet as the first round series shifts to Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on Wednesday.

"We can be better for sure," Marchand said. "Some areas we need to continue to grow in. Some areas we've been good, but other areas we need to be better. So we can definitely prove our game and put a better showing out there for sure."

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