Boston Bruins’ Patrice Bergeron doesn’t need the All Star game
By Jeremy Hynes
Patrice Bergeron is undoubtedly deserving of an invitation to the All-Star Game this year. However, there may be a silver lining in the snub.
There are many problems with the format for picking the NHL All-Stars. If the game is meant to showcase the best players in the league, it widely misses the mark. Brad Marchand definitely deserves another trip to the dog and pony show. However, his ride or die, Patrice Bergeron, should also be making the trip. Bergeron is not so quietly amassing the best season of his career with 39 points in 40 games (19 goals, 20 assists). After starting the season on the shelf with an injury, he has been growing stronger as the season progresses. This is evident by his two hat tricks in the span of six games. Which hasn’t happened in over twenty years. This type of play from the Bs’ best middle man is no surprise to Bruins fans. Bergeron has consistently been one of the best players in the NHL for almost 15 years.
What’s Important?
Feelings and egos aside, it may be a blessing in disguise that Bergeron was black balled. The Bruins are on an impressive run and Bergeron is a significant part of their recent success. He quarterbacks arguably the best line in the league. The top line has 56 points (25 goals, 31 assists) in the last 16 games. On top of the production over this stretch, the first unit is plus-33 and has only allowed two even strength goals. Bergeron is averaging nearly twenty minutes on the ice each game, so he doesn’t need any unnecessary work or travel. Especially if the Bruins are going to to be a legitimate contender for the Cup. He took on the All-Star weekend festivities in 2015 and 2016, and the Bruins failed to make the playoffs both of those seasons. Any connection?
Selke Contender (Again)
Bergeron is certainly not someone who is concerned with individual accolades, though he should be the frontrunner for the Selke Trophy at just over the mid-point on the season. Bergeron has taken home the prize awarded to the best defensive forward four times. This is because of his commitment to the Bs winning and not his personal statistics. Though he can pump out points. He is Tom Brady-esque in the way that he is concerned with the ultimate prize over all else. The Bruins will need Bergeron healthy to be successful in the playoffs. The last time the Bruins went to the Cup finals in 2013. Bergeron nearly lead them to victory with a separated shoulder, broken rib, and punctured lung. Dare I mention what may have happened if he could move or breath without pain. Let’s hope the short break next weekend can help him stay healthy and productive for the postseason.