Marchand looking to stick

Last week's sessions were more Thursday night pickup skate than NHL team readying for the season. Bruisers like Chara, Shawn Thornton and Milan Lucic muffled their games at Ristuccia: No checking, no contact. For most, no problem.

But Brad Marchand was feeling a little out of sorts. The Halifax (QMJHL) forward and probable P-Bruin played like Rodney Harrison on skates at July's prospect development camp, lowering his shoulder into oncoming traffic at every chance. The agitator role is one he embraces, but he says he's not ready to annoy any of his future teammates quite yet.

"When you get here, it's intimidating. There's all the older veterans, and you're trying not to bother them," he said. "I'm just trying to get more comfortable with the team and the guys here."

Marchand didn't turn the motor off, though, staying in the thick of the action whenever he stepped over the blue line and entered the area where the B's were tossing the puck around. "I try to be a little (expletive) out there," he said, flashing a quick grin.

There looks to be plenty of competition for third and fourth-line spots when camp opens, and Marchand admits that he faces a tough battle to get the nod over Vladimir Sobotka, Petteri Nokelainen, and others. But just like when he's on the ice, he wants to be in the middle of things. A classic pest.

He'll be in focus when the Bruins play two exhibition games in Nova Scotia from Sept. 22-25. The son of Halifax, who was traded to the Mooseheads midway through last year, will see plenty of red and green No. 17 sweaters in the audience. "I've got a pretty big family," he said.

You can get an insight into Marchand's attitude by checking out the video below. Last summer, Marchand was featured in a Nike Canada commercial. For you non-professional pickup hockey enthusiasts, if you're slacking on your summer training -- as I certainly am -- this might serve as motivation.