Apr 22, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Red Wings right wing Luke Glendening (41) battles for position with Boston Bruins center Patrice Bergeron (37) in the second period in game three of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Two NHL Prizes Possible for Bergeron
Patrice Bergeron is a pivotal member of the Boston Bruins, not just through his performances on the ice, but also by way of his leadership and veteran-type knowledge of the Bruins’ organization. Peter Chiarelli confirmed Bergy’s importance when he signed the 28-year-old to a eight-year contract extension–$52 million in total value with average annual earnings of around $6.5 million.
And although Bergeron proves his excellence year after year, this season has the B’s alternate captain will have his name further engraved in memory, as he could win a couple notable league accolades, the NHL 15 video game cover and the Frank J. Selke Trophy, bestowed upon the league’s best two-way forward.
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In the NHL 15 cover finals also stands P.K. Subban, part of the Montreal Canadiens squad that forced the Bruins exit from the playoffs earlier than assumed. Widespread support that helped guide Bergeron to cover-finalist status was spearhead by Twitter handles, with fans voicing their hopes at #NHL15Bergeron.
He thanks all of his promoters in the video below.
Regarding the NHL’s Selke Trophy, Bergeron, who took the award in the summer of 2012, will have to beat two other finalists this season, Anze Kopitar of the Los Angeles Kings and Jonathan Toews of the Chicago Blackhawks. This year marks Kopitars first nomination, while Toews has been selected three times and won once, in 2013.
Alongside Jarome Iginla, Bergeron topped the B’s in goals (30) during the 2013-14 regular season and was second on the team in points (62) behind David Krejci. In the postseason, Bergeron was one of Boston’s most noteworthy skaters.
Personally, it would be interesting to see a Bruins face on NHL 15, but winning the Selke, which has been granted to NHL men for 30+ years, truly reflects a player’s importance to his club.