Boston Bruins Forward Patrice Bergeron Misses Practice, Expected in Toronto Against Maple Leafs
Patrice Bergeron missed the Bruins practice Sunday ahead of the team’s road trip to Toronto. There’s no reason to worry, however, as he’s still expected to play against the Maple Leafs on Monday. Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy confirmed as much following the team’s practice.
“I expect him to play, but I’ll know more in a couple of hours,” Cassidy said. “But we’ll know more in a couple of hours.”
Bergeron has been phenomenal for the Bruins in the second half of the season. While he was already playing great hockey in the first half of the season in terms of the defensive and possession sides of the game, his offensive output dropped significantly. In the second half, however, it’s recovered in a noticeable way.
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Since Jan. 24, Bergeron has recorded seven goals and 20 assists for 27 points in 21 games, including nine points in eight games in March. One of the most underrated players in the league, Bergeron is now up to 17 goal and 48 points on the year and is likely to record at least 50 points for the seventh consecutive season, not including the lockout shortened season when he recorded 32 points in 42 games.
The Bruins are dealing with some injuries outside of Bergeron, however. Forwards Tim Schaller and Matt Beleskey are both dealing with ailments which forced the Bruins to make some callups on an emergency basis. Forwards Noel Acciari and Sean Kuraly were called up Sunday and one, or both could play with the Bruins in Toronto on Monday.
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The playoffs are quickly approaching and the Bruins look to be in good shape. If they can keep up their pace with Bergeron playing at the pace he’s been playing, the team looks poised to qualify for the postseason for the first time in three seasons.