Brad Marchand snaps and attacks Rasmus Dahlin.

Florida Panthers veteran forward Brad Marchand reminded the National Hockey League on Saturday of why he has the reputation of being among the nastiest players in the league.

Marchand, who has often been referred to simply as "The Rat" by opposing teams and their fans, decided that he would make an example of Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin on Saturday after he was on the receiving end of an unwanted crosscheck from the Sabres defenseman.

Now to be fair to Marchand there is no question that Dahlin was the instigator here, sneaking up behind Marchand and delivering a stiff crosscheck to his lower back. The blow was delivered with enough force that it knocked Marchand off his skates, and perhaps more importantly it awakened the monster lurking within the undersized Panthers forward.

Marchand immediately bounced back to his feet and went right back after Dahlin, tripping him to the ice before pouncing on him and even landing a few punches as Dahlin turtled up on the ice.

It was enough to earn Marchand a trip to the penalty box and it was also enough to remind everyone that, while Marchand may limit the number of incidents like this he is involved in on a season by season basis, the man who was once reviled by every team in the NHL still lurks within the body and mind of Brad Marchand.

Here's a look at the video:

Update: Brad Marchand follows it up with a dirty trick on Rasmus Dahlin.