Patrice Bergeron is making progress, but not enough to be ready for Wednesday’s Game 2 against the Florida Panthers.
Coach Jim Montgomery confirmed that after Bergeron skated with skating and skills consultant John McLean prior to the team portion of the morning skate. After his workout, Bergeron did not join the group. Montgomery went with the same forward lines and defense pairings as Game 1.
Montgomery also confirmed that it is indeed an injury and not an illness that is keeping him out of the lineup. That much became rather obvious on Monday night when Bergeron was seen at the Garden and among his teammates. Bergeron left the last regular season game in Montreal after the first period with what the club termed as an upper body injury.
“He’s progressing well, so he’s day-by-day, but he’s a no for (Wednesday),” said Montgomery in the morning.
Just when he’ll be able to return is not yet clear, but Montgomery said different factors will go into that.
“Everything goes into our decision-making,” said 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 said Bergeron is handling the situation well, leading as best he can while not playing.
“He’s such a pro, hes such a competitor. Everybody knows he wants to be in,” said 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 also said that Brad Marchand has done his best to fill any void that does arise.
“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,” said 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.”