Since Patrice Bergeron arrived on the Boston hockey scene in 2003-04, the Bruins’ captain has continued to amaze fans and the opposition with his solid two-way play. Ironically, Bruins #37, at the age of 37, still continues to play at such an elite level, as was evident in Monday night’s 5-3 victory over Tampa Bay, He became the fourth Bruin to reach 1,000 points, joining Hall of Famers, Ray Bourque (1,507), Johnny Bucyk (1,339), and Phil Esposito (1,012). Boston’s impressive 17-2-0 start has been the major focus on the local sports scene, but headlines quickly changed to reflect Bergeron having reached 1,000 points. With Thanksgiving on the horizon, Bruins fans will certainly have plenty to be thankful for at this point of the season. Here at the age of 37, he has played well over 1,000 games, and notched 1,000 points.
To think than much of this may not have happened, realizing that Bergeron’s return this season was in doubt following his decision to consider retirement. Bergeron admitted that one of his thoughts about returning did include his knowing about the possibility for him to reach the 1,000-point plateau. Bergeron explained: “You know it’s there and obviously a possibility, something that was within my reach, at the same time, with the type of team that we have, I knew I had more to give. I knew we had a deep team and having those conversations with (David Krejci), knowing that he was leaning towards coming back, that’s what influenced me to really want to sign that one-year contract.”
His decision to return and his knowing he had more to give, has been confirmed, as this season’s numbers will attest: 19 games – 18 points, including 9 goals (2 game winners + 4 on the power-play, to go with his Selke-trademark performance of only four total penalty minutes in those 19 games. Looking at the overall picture of Bergeron’s career stats – as of press time (Tuesday): 1,235 games; 409 goals; 591 assists; 76 game-winning-goals; 20 shorthanded goals; and finally126 scored on the power play. Add to that the fact that during his career he basically lost the 2007-08 season, only appearing in 10 games, due to the severe concussion he received, following a vicious check from the Philadelphia Flyers’ Randy Jones – missing 72 games and the possibility of adding more to his career totals. Bergeron’s #37 will definitely be hoisted to the Garden rafters, to be followed by his induction to the Hockey Hall of Fame. Patrice Bergeron… the ultimate professional, for 19 years and counting!
The Bruins will be facing some tougher competition in the upcoming games. Tonight (Wednesday), the Bs will face the Florida Panthers, as they end their brief, two-game road trip. A return to Garden ice will have the locals beginning a four-game home stand, facing the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday (11/25 at 1:00pm), where the Bs will attempt to extend their home record to 12-0-0 for an NHL record. Tampa Bay will return on Tuesday (11/29 at 7:00pm) in an attempt to avenge their Monday 5-3 loss to Boston. December will feature the streaking Colorado Avalanche visiting TD Garden on Saturday, (12/3 at 7:00pm), riding a three-game win streak, followed by Bruce Cassidy’s Vegas Golden Knights on Monday, December 5th at 7:00pm, then back on the road for visits to Colorado and Arizona. Tough competition, yes, but this will be a good test to see the durability and strength of this current 17-2-0 Bruins team.
Happy Thanksgiving!