Patrice Bergeron's return spoiled by Panthers beating Bruins to force Game 6
BOSTON — It seemed like a typical game day for Boston Bruins captain Patrice Bergeron.
He went about his strict, normal routine but this game was different. The Bruins entered Game 5 of their first-round Stanley Cup playoff series against the Florida Panthers one victory shy of advancing. It also meant the return of their captain, who missed the first four games of this series with an undisclosed injury. Unfortunately for the Bruins, and Bergeron, it ended with a 4-3 loss as the Panthers posted the victory Wednesday night at TD Garden to force a Game 6 Friday in Florida at 7:30 p.m.
“It was great,” Bergeron said of returning to the lineup. “There’s nothing like playoff hockey, so to be back and able to contribute on the ice is obviously satisfying and something that meant a lot to me to get back. I’m glad I was able to.”
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Bergeron’s impact both on and off the ice in Boston is undeniable. It’s been that way since Day 1. Even when he couldn’t speak a word of English as an 18-year-old rookie, the veterans knew back then he would one day become a generational player. Not only will his No. 37 one day hang from the rafters at TD Garden, his likeness will own a spot at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.
While all those accomplishments are evident at this point of his career, the final chapter is not complete. In fact, it’s in the midst of being written and his teammates are motivated to help Bergeron skate off with the Stanley Cup above his head. A lot needs to happen before that becomes reality, including a series win over the Panthers, which has proven to be a bit more difficult than Boston probably thought.
There was a definite buzz in Boston due to the close-out opportunity, including Bergeron’s return.
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About 10 minutes before the national anthem, the video board showed Bergeron sitting at his locker stall. The fans who were already in their seats responded with a solid ovation for the captain. Bergeron likely could hear the noise from the locker room, but he was focused on the task at hand. The noise inside TD Garden only grew louder when Bergeron stepped onto the ice for his first shift of the Stanley Cup playoffs and he received a standing ovation. In typical Bergeron fashion, he won a defensive zone faceoff and the Bruins quickly broke out of the zone.
Despite missing the first four games of this first-round series, Bergeron was dialed in from start to finish, not that anyone expected anything less. If it’s even possible, Bergeron ramped up his game. He was a beast in the dirty areas, especially with his net-front presence. He was physical and relentless on the forecheck.
“I felt good,” Bergeron said. “You need a few shifts to get back into the rhythm. Obviously, getting back into the playoffs is a different animal than coming back into the regular season. The pace is a lot higher, but I felt pretty good.”
When Bergeron redirected a pass from Brad Marchand to tie the game at 2-2 with a power-play goal at 4:33 of the third period, TD Garden once again erupted in jubilation, especially since the captain scored in his return. Overall, he logged 19:03 of ice time and went 20-for-29 in the faceoff circle.
“Not surprised,” Marchand said of Bergeron’s overall performance. “He’s a playoff guy and leaves his heart and soul on the ice. It’s great to have him back and we missed him out there. It was great to see him play the way he did.”
Game 5 was Bergeron’s 168th career Stanley Cup playoff game. He’s registered 50 goals and 78 assists for 128 points during that span and proving he has more to give before he hangs up the skates.
“Exciting,” he said despite the loss. “I did the same routine, getting ready to get back and try to help the guys. Excited to be back, especially in the playoffs and being able to contribute as much as you can.”
Bergeron has experienced everything possible during his career, but he deserves one more sip from the Stanley Cup.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Patrice Bergeron returns, but Bruins lose to Panthers in Game 5
