Last season the Bruins lost one of their star offensive players Patrice Bergeron due to a very questionable hit from behind from Randy Jones in late October, Jones was given what I would consider a very light two game suspension. Bergeron's season was over in October and the Bruins played on without Patrice Bergeron. Even without Bergeron the Bruins still made the playoffs and took the Montreal Canadians to seven games in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs before bowing out. I can't imagine that Bergeron could have made the differnce. This season the Bruins have a healthy Patrice Bergeron ready to rejoin the team.
Will Patrice Bergeron be...Patrice Bergeron?
Allan Muir INSIDE THE NHL
The image of Bergeron lying motionless against the boards, victimized by an illegal hit from behind, haunted Boston fans throughout a season that saw the team take significant steps toward legitimacy even without its best forward. And while there had to be a temptation to bring him back for the playoff push and the first round -- a loss to the Canadiens --the Bruins brass wisely held Bergeron out, keeping the bigger picture in mind.
Now we'll see if their patience pays off.
Outside of Marian Hossa in Detroit, the return of a healthy Bergeron could be the most impactful addition any team makes to its lineup this season. Slotted as the No. 2 center behind Marc Savard, he has the offensive chops to chip in 80 points, and the defensive skills to asset himself as one of the best two-way forwards in the conference.
But the ability to play the body is a critical component part of Bergeron's game. Even if the flesh is willing, there's no way of knowing if the spirit is weak without seeing if Bergeron will hesitate, even slightly, before going into the corners or initiating contact.
But even at 75 percent, Bergeron makes Boston a better team. He needs to be 100 percent, both physically and mentally, for the Bruins to move forward.
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