Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery revealed Wednesday morning Boston will be without captain Patrice Bergeron in Game 2 of its Stanley Cup playoff series against the Florida Panthers.
Montgomery also indicated that Bergeron, who missed Game 1 in part due to illness as well as the injury, was no longer suffering from an illness. Bergeron’s injury designation, and the extent of the ailment he’s dealing with, is not yet known.
“He’s progressing well,” Montgomery told reporters after Wednesday’s morning skate, per the team. “So he’s day-by-day, but he’s a no for (Game 2).”
When asked whether the decision was up to Montgomery or the Bruins’ training staff, the coach added: “No, I think it’s all-inclusive. But he’s not at the point where he could play (Wednesday).”
Montgomery was forthcoming when questioned whether or not the outcome of Game 2 and ensuing games would impact when Bergeron does make his return. The Black and Gold enter Game 2 after earning a 3-1 victory Monday without Bergeron, thus taking a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven.
“Well, I think you are always looking at the situation of — everything goes into our decision-making,” Montgomery said. “Where he’s at is No. 1. No. 2, it would be, just like the regular season, rest versus play. Where the series is at, all those things come into (play).”
Bruins fans are well aware the competitive nature of the top-line center, who’s previously played in playoff games despite a laundry list of injuries. Montgomery hinted at that competitive spirit of Bergeron on Wednesday, as well.
“Well, he’s hard to keep — he’s such a pro, he’s such a competitor, obviously,” Montgomery said. “Everybody knows he wants to be in. 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.”
The Bergeron-less Bruins will have the same lines and defensive pairings in Wednesday’s game as they did Monday night. Pavel Zacha will center the top line in Bergeron’s place with Brad Marchand and Jake DeBrusk on his wings. Linus Ullmark will return to the net after a stellar performance in the series opener.
Boston will try to claim a 2-0 series lead against Florida with puck drop scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. You can watch it live on NESN after an hour of pregame coverage.
