Never one to get too far forward of himself, Bruins coach Jim Montgomery stated that Patrice Bergeron nonetheless wanted to “check some boxes” earlier than he may declare that his captain is a go for Wednesday’s Game 5. But all indications from Tuesday’s observe say that Bergeron will enter the playoff fray because the B’s attempt to shut out the Florida Panthers on the Garden.
Bergeron, who has not performed a recreation and even practiced with the group since leaving Game 82 with an higher physique harm, hit the sheet at Warrior Ice Arena in a daily jersey and was a full participant, manning the bumper on the primary energy play unit after which main the post-practice stretch.
Bergeron himself gave a tentative thumbs-up after his first group observe in virtually two weeks.
“Today’s a good day and we’ll see (Wednesday) how I feel,” stated Bergeron. “I’m not anticipating any setbacks. So far, so good.”
Asked if he felt like he has put this harm behind him or it’s one thing that he’ll need to handle all through the post-season, Bergeron stated, “That’s a good question. It’s one of those things where you try to get back as quickly as possible but at the same time you try to be smart about it. The training staff has done a tremendous job. So I don’t know. I’m just taking it day by day.”
Bergeron left the April 13 recreation in Montreal after the primary interval with what the membership termed an higher physique harm. As the harm pressured the captain miss playoff video games, the membership has come underneath criticism for letting Bergeron play in that recreation. While it was hoped it will be a particular night time for Bergeron enjoying what is likely to be his remaining recreation in his house province, he stated that performed no half in him suiting up.
“It’s frustrating. It is,” Bergeron stated. “At the same time, you have no control over it. … There is a plan in place. I’ve missed four games (in the final month) to heal some of the stuff, some of the bumps and bruises of the year and Monty has discussed about what he wanted for the last week. He wanted the full lineup to be against Washington and Montreal. It’s a coincidence that it was Montreal as the last game. If it would have been any other team, I would have been in the lineup, as everyone else was in the lineup for that game, as you saw. It’s unfortunate, but that could have happened the week before or last week.”
Bergeron has tried to remain as concerned with the group as doable whereas being out. He was within the locker room for the house video games and even texted assistant coach Chris Kelly with some strategic ideas when the collection shifted to Florida and he stayed behind to obtain his therapy.
“It was definitely different,” stated Bergeron. “I felt like it was a little more nerve-wracking than when you’re on the ice or on the bench where you can do something about it. You feel a little more…I don’t know if helpless is the right word but you’d like to be out here and help the guys a little bit more. I texted when I saw a few things. I don’t know if that did anything or not. But I was cheering and screaming at the TV.”
There had been some fascinating traces in observe. While Montgomery wouldn’t decide to them, the highest line had Bergeron centering Tyler Bertuzzi and David Pastrnak. Meanwhile, Brad Marchand skated with Charlie Coyle and Nick Foligno skating on this off aspect. If Montgomery sticks with these traces, it will be the primary time {that a} wholesome Bergeron and Marchand didn’t skate on the identical line within the playoffs since they had been put collectively within the Stanley Cup season of 2010-11.
“It was for me to look at lines. I know what Marchie and Bergy look like. I don’t know if that’s going to be our lines,” stated Montgomery. “Like I said to Marchie, the toughest part would be if I said “Bergeron’s line’s up,” we might get too many males should you’re not on his line.”
But Bergeron stated he’s able to play with anybody.
“I’ve said it a million times. I have so much respect and so much chemistry with Brad. But with that being said, I can play with anyone,” stated Bergeron. “The guys have so much talent that whoever is on my left side or my right side on this team it doesn’t really matter. The depth is there and you have to do your job. That’s what it’s all about, bringing whatever you can bring to the table no matter who’s alongside of you.”…
Linus Ullmark stated that it was certainly the primary time he’s ever dropped his gloves in anticipation of a combat when he did so late within the Game 4 win. The officers by no means did let him get at Matthew Tkachuk and it appeared like Ullmark’s shouldn’t be going to make it a daily factor.
What pushed him over the sting?
“It’s hard to say. Things happen so fast and so quickly and you have everyone trying to stick up for each other and I tried to do the same at the end as well,” stated Ullmark. “But it’s not something that I’m actually seeking out, especially late in a game. If it was a 3-2 game, I wouldn’t have done anything. At 5-2, it was a little different feeling to it…If you’re up 5-2, there’s no need for stupid stuff like that. If it’s a 3-2 game, you definitely don’t want to (give) power plays to the opposition.”
Ullmark stated the response from his teammates has been, “Mostly positive. There was probably a lot of surprise as well. Obviously it’s the first time I’ve ever dropped the gloves in my career. My job is to stop pucks and not do stuff like that, obviously, so I think that’s where most of the surprise came from.”…
David Krejci, believed to be battling an arm or elbow harm, skated for about 20 minutes previous to observe, largely with no puck. Montgomery stated he’s “progressing well” however is not going to be out there for Game 5. He didn’t rule him out for something after that…
While Montgomery stated the traces weren’t set in stone, Trent Frederic was not on any of the 4 traces in observe…
Florida coach Paul Maurice stated that defenseman Aaron Ekblad and ahead Anthony Duclair, who each missed Game 4, are good to go for Game 5. But forwards Sam Bennett and Ryan Lomberg didn’t observe. Maurice stated that a kind of gamers will certainly be in whereas the opposite will likely be a game-time resolution. Bennett missed Game 1 with an harm that saved him out of the final 12 common season video games. He didn’t specify which was which.
Source: www.bostonherald.com