Patrice Bergeron is making progress, however not sufficient to be prepared for Wednesday’s Game 2 in opposition to the Florida Panthers.
Coach Jim Montgomery confirmed that after Bergeron skated with skating and expertise marketing consultant John McLean previous to the workforce portion of the morning skate. After his exercise, Bergeron didn’t be part of the group. Montgomery went with the identical ahead traces and protection pairings as Game 1.
Montgomery additionally confirmed that it’s certainly an damage and never an sickness that’s maintaining him out of the lineup. That a lot grew to become quite apparent on Monday night time when Bergeron was seen on the Garden and amongst his teammates. Bergeron left the final common season sport in Montreal after the primary interval with what the membership termed as an higher physique damage.
“He’s progressing well, so he’s day-by-day, but he’s a no for (Wednesday),” mentioned Montgomery within the morning.
Just when he’ll be capable to return isn’t but clear, however Montgomery mentioned various factors will go into that.
“Everything goes into our decision-making,” mentioned Montgomery. “Where he’s at is No. 1. No. 2 would be just the like the regular season, rest versus play, where the series is at. All those come in as factors.”
Montgomery mentioned Bergeron is dealing with the state of affairs effectively, main as greatest he can whereas not taking part in.
“He’s such a pro, hes such a competitor. Everybody knows he wants to be in,” mentioned Montgomery. “But the great thing about him is his ability to put his own personal feelings aside and still lead our group, like he does. That speaks volumes about his leadership qualities.”
Montgomery additionally mentioned that Brad Marchand has carried out his greatest to fill any void that does come up.
“He’s been excellent, as have the others guys. Everybody knows that you don’t fill Patrice’s shoes with one person, but I think he’s taken the lead,” mentioned Montgomery. “I’ve heard his voice more in the locker room in between periods. Also the daily times I’m walking into the room talking about what we’re going to do in practice, usually Patrice is talking and I hear Brad talking now. He’s taken it upon himself and he’s a great leader. I’ve said all, year, we’re blessed in the leadership qualities.”
Said Marchand: “He’s a guy we’re not going to be able to replace on or off the ice, but as a group it falls on our shoulders to help each other and communicate. At playoff time, emotions are high…the more we kind of control that on the bench and help each other out, it (translates) on the ice. That’s all we’re all trying to do.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com