Boston Bruins: Bergeron is putting a slow start behind him

After a slow start to the season, the Boston Bruins have gone 3-1 in their last four games. In the first three games of November, Boston has outscored opponents 13-5 and continued their undefeated streak at TD Garden.

Over that span, the offense has been sparked by captain Patrice Bergeron. On Tuesday, he was at the center of their success and continued to show why he is invaluable.

Since the calendar flipped to November, Bergeron has six points, including five goals. The former second-round pick has been a different player over the last two weeks following a three-point October.

Due to his recent play, Bergeron is tied for the team lead in goals and is second in points.

Bergeron’s offensive emergence is making the Bruins better as a whole

As Bergeron has rounded into form, he has been effective on the power play. This season he has five points on the man advantage, including three last Thursday against Detroit. Whenever he is on the ice, the 36-year-old is creating opportunities for his line mates. So far this season, the Quebec native has attempted 46 shots, 28 of which have landed on net.

Additionally, the veteran center has excelled at both ends of the ice. Through the first ten games of the season, Bergeron has landed 14 hits and blocked four shots. In the faceoff circle, he has been highly effective and has a 61.03 winning percentage. Like he has done his whole career, the former 45th overall pick has been a two-way threat.

While the Bruins have struggled to get consistent scoring throughout the lineup, Bergeron has been an exception. Over the last two weeks, he and Brad Marchand have combined for 13 points. They have made life difficult for opposing teams with no signs of slowing down. Their recent play has put a slow start in the rearview mirror as Bergeron has come through in the clutch.

So far this season, Bergeron has one game-winning goal, which came on Tuesday night. He also recorded the seventh hat trick of his career and the Bruins first of the season against Detroit on November 4th. Regardless of the opponent, the four-time Selke winner is making a difference.

As Boston looks to rise in the standings, they will need their captain to be at his best. Over the last few weeks, Bergeron has shown that he has plenty left in the tank and arguably been the Bruins best player. While Bergeron’s future beyond this season is unknown, he is having a memorable start to the 18th year of his NHL career.