BOSTON -- It's official, Patrice Bergeron is back for the Boston Bruins.
After missing four Stanley Cup playoff contests and almost two weeks of game time, Bergeron led the Bruins out of the tunnel prior to their Game 5 matchup with the Florida Panthers on Wednesday night at TD Garden.
The Bruins made things official with an announcement.
Bergeron, who hasn't played since the Bruins' final regular-season contest on April 13, is expected to slot back into the lineup with some new line mates. Boston head coach Jim Montgomery has him centering David Pastrnak and Tyler Bertuzzi pregame, splitting up the longtime pairing of No. 37 and No. 63 Brad Marchand.
Though Boston has built a 3-1 series lead over Florida, the absence of Bergeron has been noticeable.
The Bruins have spoken about the impact their captain is expected to have in his return. If they're right, Boston could punch its ticket to a second-round appearance, and vanquish the Panthers once and for all.
