Boston Bruins: Patrice Bergeron picks up right where he left off

Patrice Bergeron showed no rust at all in his first four games back from injury.

The Boston Bruins ended their five-game losing streak Saturday night against the Florida Panthers. The dominant play of Patrice Bergeron and his top line was the big reason why.

Bergeron returned to the lineup four games ago after an extended injury absence. Although the Bruins have only one win in four games, the first line really kicked into gear.

Over the past four games, Bergeron and linemates Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak combined for 14 total points. Bergeron made the biggest difference, as Marchand and Pastrnak both struggled before his return.

Bergeron assumed his regular spot on that top line, as well as the top power play and penalty kill units. He alone has two goals and an assist since his return to action.

Bergeron also continues to impact other parts of the game as well. His faceoff success rate, for example, is above 60% since his return, something critical for Boston since only one other center averages more than 50%. Bergeron won at least 14 faceoffs in each game.

This came into play late in the game against Florida as the Bruins tried to maintain a one-goal lead. Bergeron won a big faceoff in the defensive zone, and this resulted in a Pastrnak empty-netter to seal the game.

In addition to his faceoff wins, Bergeron filled up the stat sheet with five blocked shots and 20 shots on goal in the past four games.

What this all proves is that Bergeron picked up right where he left off after his return from injury. There doesn’t seem to be much rust on his game at all.

Bergeron impacts the game as much as any center in the league. He averages around a point-per-game, and he plays in virtually every situation. Whether Bruce Cassidy needs a big faceoff win, a power play goal, or a penalty kill, Bergeron’s always his go-to choice.

Not only that, but Bergeron makes his linemates much better. Marchand and Pastrnak struggled to produce during Bergeron’s most recent injury, even as they played with a talented pivot in David Krejci. Those guys, however, turned a corner when Bergeron came back, and Boston eventually ended its win streak as a result.

Another important note: Saturday’s game in Florida was Bergeron’s 1,053rd career game for the Bruins. That’s third-most behind Ray Bourque and Johnny Bucyk. Both those legends are in the rafters, and when all’s said and done, Bergeron will be right there in between them.