Brad Marchand knows a thing or two about sneaking up on people.

But whereas in the past, the Boston Bruins winger was known primarily for his nettlesome ways, he now finds himself statistically among the NHL's elite.

Marchand scored twice in Wednesday's 6-1 drubbing of the Red Wings, giving him 32 goals and 70 points on the season, the most by a Bruin in quite some time.

The performance also put him within striking distance of the NHL lead in both goals and points.

Marchand now sits second in goals, level with Patrik Laine and two behind Sidney Crosby (34). On the total points front, only Connor McDavid (74) has recorded more, with Marchand on par with Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Patrick Kane.

The 70 points mark a career high, while Marchand has 15 games in which to match or top the 37 goals he scored last season.

The Bruins signed Marchand to an eight-year, $49-million contract extension in September, and if this is his new normal, that cap hit is set to become a bargain when it kicks in next season.

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