With his well-known reputation as a nudge, it’s always safe to assume that officials have Brad Marchand‘s name circled when they call a Bruins game. That’s been the case since the Bruins’ cup run and it will continue to elude him until he hangs up the skates.

That’s not necessarily a bad thing, when a player like Marchand plays with an edge. That was again the case in Tuesday’s preseason tilt with the New York Islanders.

Despite the 5-3 loss, the Bruins had a few things going for them. From Bobby Robins’ physicality to the teams’ posession time to both Jordan Caron and Adam McQuaid getting their hands dirty in the third period and Marchand’s energy, there was plenty to like.

Still, Marchand wasn’t perfect. In the second period, he nearly got called for punching Matt Donovan in the head, a penalty for cross-checking 1:21 into the third and he committed a neutral zone turnover that led to Cal Clutterbuck’s go-ahead goal with 3:09 left in the third period.

But Marchand also displayed the same chemistry with Patrice Bergeron that The Hub of Hockey is accustomed to seeing. He also developed a good connection with Craig Cunningham throughout Tuesday’s contest and scored the Bruins’ tying goal on a feed from Loui Eriksson 3:30 into the third period.

On this night, it’s safe to say that Marchand was in midseason form.

“I think we’re all getting better and better as the day goes on,” Marchand said about the exhibition season. “Coming back in, you’re a little rusty, and I don’t think it matters who you are. So I think we’re doing a good job at getting better every game.”

“I thought we played a pretty decent game tonight,” Marchand said about Tuesday’s preseason game. “A couple of lapses, but for the most part we played pretty well.”

With some holes to fill offensively, the Bruins will be testing out some players to help bolster their scoring. That might mean putting Marchand on the power play and seeing how he does.

Still, Marchand isn’t worried on what he might do in the future. He’s more concerned on what he can control in the present, and if Tuesday was any indication, he’ll still need to work out some kinks before he gets a promotion.

“I think for the most part, I’m feeling pretty comfortable out there, and I’m just trying to make plays,” Marchand said. “The biggest thing is I can’t worry about the outcome and what their plans are, I just have to control what I can on the ice.

“If you’re on the power play you’re going to get points. But it’s not about that, it’s about winning, and if the power play is successful without me then that’s great. If it’s successful with me on it, then that’s great too. Whatever helps the team win.”

Even when he plays on an edge, Marchand is doing it for the better of the team. And even when the wins and losses are an afterthought in the preseason, the overall performance is something that can still be highlighted.

Marchand, like every other Bruin, will have some kinks to work out before the start of the regular season. Still, Marchand’s approach is refreshing to see, especially coming off a disappointing end to the 2013-14 season.