Patrice Bergeron
As I think we all expected, Patrice Bergeron was playing hurt during last season’s playoffs. While it wasn’t quite at the caliber of the infamous collapsed lung of a few years ago, a groin injury is no fun at all.
Bergeron didn’t quite get a long and relaxing summer to rest and recover, and I was happy to see him suit up for only one preseason game, so he could maximize his break time. Because if all Bruins fans agree on one thing, it’s that an injured Bergeron is very, very bad.
Patrice, Patrice, Patrice. One day dirges will be written about him for his sophisticated style of play (if hockey can be categorized as that, but I’d argue that Bergeron brings polish onto the ice), his status as the league’s best defensive forward (the Selke Trophy should be renamed for him), and his tireless devotion to the Boston Bruins.
Look for him to make a big impact tonight against the Stars. As someone who’s uber-competitive and quite “ferda boys,” Bergeron will likely take the regular-season debut to make his mark and silence any doubts as to his injury status.
After all, that is what we happen to expect from him.