Boston Bruins Forward Patrice Bergeron Hits Century Mark

Boston Bruins Forward Patrice Bergeron Hits Century Mark in Playoff Games in His Career

It seems like forever ago that Patrice Bergeron was drafted by the Boston Bruins. The young player making his debut with the Bruins as a teenager showed all the signs of an NHL player from the get-go. While being drafted in the second-round of the most famous draft in NHL history is hard to knock, there are still many teams who wish they could get a do-over and draft Bergeron higher than 45th overall in the draft.

The Bruins got a steal that day. While their alternate captain has been an outstanding regular season performer in his career, however, he’s also made a name for himself as a playoff star too. When the Bruins take to the ice Friday night, Bergeron will become only the 364th player in NHL history to reach the 100-game mark in the postseason. It isn’t easy to play long enough to make it to 100 playoff games. Bergeron, however, hasn’t just played in those games. In fact, he’s made an impact in the playoffs more times than once.

2011 Stanley Cup Final

Many will remember the obstacles that Bergeron faced leading to his first Stanley Cup Finals. A series of concussions in the seasons prior had left him limited, leaving many to question whether it was the end of the line for No. 37. Bergeron, however, came back better than ever and played a significant role throughout the postseason for the Bruins. In 23 games, Bergeron scored six goals and 20 points while compiling 28 penalty minutes. Two of those goals, however, came during the seventh game of the Stanley Cup Finals, clinching the Bruins first championship in 39 years.

For Bergeron, offense is usually just secondary to what he brings to the team. His heart, leadership and defensive abilities have always shined the brightest. It’s also the reason he’s been a Selke Trophy Finalist in six-straight years including this year. When it comes to being clutch, however, look no further than the Quebec-native who shine on the big stage.

2013 Game Seven

While Washington Capitals’ forward Justin Williams is widely known for his game seven heroics, Bergeron may have made his own claim for the title of “Mr. Game 7.” While his two goals to help clinch the Stanley Cup in 2011 were huge, he has been far from a one-trick pony. In fact, Bergeron came up in the clutch once again for the Bruins in 2013 when they were trailing 4-1 to the Toronto Maple Leafs with just 10:42 remaining in the game.

Down a goal with less than a minute to go, Bergeron tied the game up with just 50.2 seconds remaining in regulation. With 13:55 to go in the overtime frame, Bergeron scored his second goal of the game (sound familiar?) to seal the victory for the Bruins. Boston, of course, went on to play in the Stanley Cups Finals that year after being less than 11 minutes away from elimination.

Take a second to breathe and smile while reminiscing from that game.

Next: Bruins Lines and Pairings Game 5

Now take the time to appreciate how good Bergeron truly is. While the Bruins face elimination Friday in game five of the first round against the Ottawa Senators, Bergeron will undoubtedly do his best to help stave off elimination. The heart and soul of the Bruins may or may not score two goals, but his contributions will never go unnoticed by the fanbase in Boston.