Boston Bruins forward and alternate captain Patrice Bergeron made his return to the TD Garden on Thursday. Once again, Bergeron made the difference in a Bruins win.
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Boston Bruins forward Patrice Bergeron played in his first game of the 2016-17 season on Thursday. It was the Bruins home opener against the New Jersey Devils. The pregame show was steeped in nostalgia. The two greatest Bruins in the team’s history, Milt Schmidt and Bobby Orr helped dropped the puck.
The Bruins once again played from behind. Once again, the B’s found a way to win. Brad Marchand helped tie the game up for the Black and Gold halfway through the third period.
Enter Patrice Bergeron. With just 1:15 left in regulation, the Bruins forward fired a strong shot past Bruins goaltender Cory Schneider to give the Bruins their first lead of the evening. It was all the team needed to take home the win in front of a sold-out crowd at the TD Garden.
Welcome Back, Bergy! pic.twitter.com/XRu6hMNApe
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) October 21, 2016
Nothing like sitting in section 326 trading high-fives and fist bumps with people you never met before in your life. Bergeron has a way of bringing the awesome in everyone. Bergeron deserved and got First Star of the Game Honors for his performance.
When I say 'Bergy' you say 'Clutch!' #NHLBruins
— Andrew E Thompson (@Godwentwhoops) October 21, 2016
Claude Julien shared my sentiments on Bergeron after the game.
“I think it’s pretty obvious with what he did tonight,” said the Bruins bench boss of Bergeron. “After being off for over a week, to come back and have one practice with us, he scores the clutch goal for us.
“And that’s what he’s always been for us, a clutch player.”
After the game, Bergeron was his usual modest self. He thanked his linemates Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak for their efforts in Thursday’s win.
"I was trying to put it on net, and I was lucky to get that goal."
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) October 21, 2016
Bergeron postgame on his goal + seeing Milt Schmidt and Bobby Orr: pic.twitter.com/tFP3kyn6GC
As for his fellow Bruins, there’s nothing but respect for the 13-year NHL veteran.
“Everybody battles for him, everybody loves him,” said Bruins defenseman Joe Morrow of Bergeron. Thursday night was Morrow’s first game of the season as well. “He’s one of the assistant captains, he’s such a crucial piece to this team. Every time you’re on the ice, you want to make him proud.
“He’s just one of the best all-around players in the league, if not the best. Just having him in the lineup benefits this team so much. There are not a lot of players that I can say that about. He brings such a different aspect from the team.”
“It was important for us to have Bergy back,” said Bergeron’s other linemate David Pastrnak. “It was a huge comeback for him so we are happy.”
Next: Boston Bruins Home Opener
It was a great night for Patrice Bergeron. It was a great night for the Bruins and their fans. Once again, Bergy found a little magic in his stick and gave the B’s an important win.