Brad Marchand grabbed media attention in Game 1 of the Boston Bruins' first-round series against the Toronto Maple Leafs when he licked opponent Leo Komarov after a whistle.

Marchand kissed Komarov in a similar situation when the two were tied up during the regular season and a report surfaced Thursday that the NHL asked Marchand not to lick his opponents.>

Marchand took to Twitter on Friday to deny the rumour, posting the response "This is false."

"He keeps trying to get close to me, I don't know if he's got a thing for me or what," Marchand said of Komarov after Game 1. "He's cute."

The 29-year-old has gained a reputation for his post-whistle antics and borderline play, but he contributed three goals and six assists in his team's first-round series win. He scored 34 goals and had 85 points in 68 games during the regular season.

The Bruins will open their second-round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday and it appears Marchand will be free to lick anyone he wants to.