Boston Bruins: Time to Start Considering Patrice Bergeron for MVP

Surprise, surprise Patrice Bergeron came through in the clutch for the Boston Bruins, scoring twice in the third period to lead them over the Calgary Flames Tuesday night. It’s time for everyone around the NHL to start seriously considering Bergeron for the Hart Trophy.

Patrice Bergeron is having arguably his best all around season for the Boston Bruins. Bergeron leads the team in goals (27), game-winning goals (5) tied for second in points (51), and third in plus/minus at +24. Bergeron has been on another level this and without a doubt has been the team’s MVP.

Before you scream about Brad Marchand or David Pastrnak, lets look at it closely. Bergeron is the only major contributor on the team that when he has missed time, the Bruins have a losing record (2-3-0). Marchand, who is the leading scorer with 54 points (21-33–54) has missed 13 games this season, the Bruins are 10-3-0 in those contests.

Pastrnak hasn’t missed any time and is tied with Bergeron in points at 51, (21-30–51) has shown to at times to get lazy in the defensive end, leading to less ice time or being moved down the depth chart. The most recent example came Tuesday against Calgary when midway through the second period Bruce Cassidy dropped him down to the 3rd line and promoted David Backes to his spot next to Bergeron and Marchand.

What about Charlie McAvoy, while the rookie has without a doubt been impressive and should be getting consideration for the Calder Trophy (Best Rookie) he too has missed time and the team hasn’t missed a beat. They went 3-1-0 when he was sidelined just a few weeks ago after undergoing an ablation to treat an irregular heart rate.

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It all comes back to Bergeron. As has been the case throughout his career, he does what ever is asked of him, and he exceeds at it. Power Play? Bergeron is there. Kill penalties or shut down the opposition’s top line? Bergeron does it. Late in the game and the Bruins need a goal? Look no further than Patrice Bergeron.

Finding the Back of the Net

What has been different this season however is the scoring. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not like Bergeron couldn’t score a lot of points in years past. But under Claude Julien, it wasn’t as much as a priority for him as was taking defensive zone shifts and shutting down the opponents. Now in Bruce Cassidy’s system, Bergeron is having a career year offensively.  He is on pace for 41 goals (career high) and 78 points, also a career high.

Now those numbers won’t put him among the league scoring leaders, (he’s currently tied for 30th in points and 9th in goals) but the Hart Trophy is annually given out to the Most Valuable Player in the National Hockey League, not the highest scorer. That is what the Art Ross Trophy is for, although historically the two trophies have become all but synonymous, outside of a defenseman or goalie winning the MVP.

BOSTON, MA – JANUARY 6: Patrice Bergeron

This season however may be a different case, there is no weak spot in Bergeron’s game, he plays in every situation, and plays well. If he tops that 40 goal mark, and the Bruins go on to win the Presidents’ Trophy, or finish near the top of the standings, It will be impossible to overlook Bergeron, the Bruins would not be where they are without him.

Next: The important of Jake DeBrusk to the Bruins

I’m not saying he’s a lock for the Hart Trophy, or even the leading candidate. But, if you are overlooking him based on his past scoring numbers or even current ones, it’s time to move on. Patrice Bergeron should be seriously considered for MVP.