Patrice Bergeron missed his second day of apply and the captain is formally a query mark for Monday’s Game 1 towards the Florida Panthers.
Bergeron left the common season finale on Thursday in Montreal after the primary interval with what was termed as an higher physique harm and he hasn’t touched the ice since then. On Saturday, coach Jim Montgomery mentioned it’s an harm that has been nagging Bergeron. On Sunday, GM Don Sweeney mentioned Bergeron’s additionally coping with an sickness.
Judging by Sweeney’s evaluation, it feels nearer to a coin flip on whether or not Bergeron will probably be obtainable for Game 1.
“He’s taking an extra day again, today, obviously. It’s to be decided (Monday). If he feels well enough, he’ll play. If not, we’ve done a really good job down the stretch of trying … to monitor (injury and illnesses), so we’re just trying to monitor that and battle through that. Patrice doesn’t need extra days of practice. So if he feels better, he’ll play,” mentioned Sweeney.
In Bergeron’s absence, Pavel Zacha has been skating between the captain’s ordinary linemates Brad Marchand and Jake DeBrusk, whereas David Krejci, who missed the final six video games of the common season, has been skating between David Pastrnak and Tyler Bertuzzi. Charlie Coyle has been centering Taylor Hall and Trent Frederic, whereas the fourth line has been Tomas Nosek between Nick Foligno, who could be taking part in his first sport since Feb. 28, and Garnet Hathaway.
“Pavel’s assumed a lot of those responsibilities and he’s handled it really well. Obviously with the faceoffs, Patrice is one of the best in the game so that’s an area where everyone has to dig in,” mentioned Sweeney. “We’ve played different games this year when Patrice has been out and all those guys have stepped in. But that’s to be decided. So we’re not focused on that. Obviously Pavel got some reps and that’s needed to play with Jake and Brad. He hasn’t played a lot with them. And Charlie Coyle has moved around as well. That’s not something we’re overly concerned about at this point.”
Team president Cam Neely mentioned he’s “extremely” assured within the staff’s depth if Bergeron shouldn’t be obtainable for Game 1.
“We showed it all year,” mentioned Neely. “We’ve had a lot of players in and out of the lineup this year and the record speaks for itself. Our depth is as good as it’s ever been.”
Indeed, when the B’s had been confronted with back-to-backs on the ultimate 5 weekends of the season, Bergeron was rested and the B’s continued to win, beating Carolina, Pittsburgh, St. Louis and Philadelphia on their approach to the record-breaking win totals.
But they’re unquestionably a greater staff with the five-time Selke Award winner within the lineup. His longtime linemate, Marchand, expressed confidence that he’d have the ability to play.
“He’s obviously a huge piece of the group and he always leads on and off the ice, regardless of if he’s on the ice practicing or not. It’s not a big deal,” mentioned Marchand. “He’s taken rest days throughout the year just to make sure he’s feeling good. If someone’s not feeling well this time of year then it’s just great to have the opportunity to rest up and prepare.”
Did he anticipate Bergeron to be within the lineup Monday evening?
“Yeah. I think he’s just sick or something,” mentioned Marchand.
We shall see.
Swayman additionally sick
Also lacking apply was goalie Jeremy Swayman, who Sweeney mentioned was additionally affected by an sickness.
On the intense aspect, Linus Ullmark, who left Tuesday’s sport within the third interval after struggling a decrease physique harm when he made a post-to-post push-off, practiced for the second straight day.
With his ever-present, bemused smile, Ullmark mentioned he was all good.
“I’m doing great. Thanks for asking,” mentioned Ullmark when inquired about his well being.
What was his degree of concern when he left the sport on Tuesday?
“Ah, it was precautionary. Nothing else than that,” mentioned Ullmark.
This is Ullmark’s second go within the playoffs. He performed the primary two video games of the sequence towards Carolina final 12 months, each losses, earlier than giving approach to Swayman. Any totally different feeling this time round?
“I don’t know. It’s tough to say. I think the most concerning part is how to get to the Garden with the Boston Marathon going on,” mentioned Ullmark. “But other than that, it’s very exciting. It always is and will always be.”
In Swayman’s absence, Keith Segee, who typically fills in at apply when the B’s are down a goalie, manned the second internet.
Source: www.bostonherald.com