The Bruins' new forward brings a combative and focused touch to his lively preseason

During Sunday's opening loss to the Rangers, Bruins center Mark Kastelic was eager to be physical and appeared ready to fight.

He had no chance. The linesmen jumped in to prevent a fight early, and while he conceded two penalties and fired a few punches after the game whistle, his gloves stayed on.

In Thursday's rematch, Madison Square Garden, the arena that once hosted Rocky Marciano vs. Joe Louis and Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier II, can now boast Mark Kastelic vs. Connor Mackey.

The duel at the end of the second half will not be considered one of the best battles in the building. It was more of a race to see which right-hander could get his hand free first. Neither landed any significant hits, but it was Mackey who was the first to lose his balance.

Bruins fans largely rejected the trade that sent Linus Ullmark to Ottawa for Joonas Korpisalo, Kastelic and a first-round pick because they didn't believe they got enough for Ullmark and took on a large portion of Korpisalo's salary. Kastelic has been largely overlooked.

But in two preseason games, he looks very Bruin-like. He is a 1.80 meter tall, 100 kilogram contact hunter who plays the game in a bad mood. For a team that spent its offseason adding players with size and sandpaper, Kastelic has stood out.

In addition to Thursday's fight, he faked a goal. He won six of nine faceoffs, had three hits, blocked two shots and stuck his face into every available confrontation.

“It's part of what I bring: I try to be a good teammate and take care of my teammates,” he said after Sunday's game. “It’s something natural that I have within me. I don't like being pushed around out there. I don't think any of us do. … I want to show everyone. I’m not afraid to do physical activity and get involved in anything.”