Brad Marchand, who focused on his conditioning during the offseason, has looked sharp early on in training camp, the Boston Herald reports.

Marchand, who focused on his conditioning during the offseason, has looked sharp early on in training camp, the Boston Herald reports.

Analysis:

Marchand notes, "I just feel like I'm quicker and I can go to areas a little faster...I feel like I can control the puck a little easier than I could last year. I'm not getting knocked off (the puck). Those were a couple of big issues I had." For his part, GM Peter Chiarelli has been impressed by what he's seen from the feisty winger thus far, indicating that Marchand has "been real good. For a guy that scored 20-plus goals last year and we're telling him it's a bad year — I think [if] he keeps that up, he's going to have a good year." While playing all 82 games last season, Marchand recorded 25 goals and 53 points for the Bruins, numbers he could easily top this season, health permitting, while presumably skating on a line with center Patrice Bergeron and restricted free agent Reilly Smith (once he rejoins the team).