WILMINGTON, MassPatrice Bergeron will be suiting up for the Bruins in Game 7 despite being banged up in the parlance of playoff hockey, but wouldnt say whether hell be taking any more or less than the one face-off he won on Sunday afternoon.
The former was revealed by Claude Julien following Tuesdays practice at Ristuccia Arena and the latter was revealed by No. 37 himself on his weekly radio spot with Gresh and Zo on 98.5 the Sports Hub.
Rich Peverley continued to center Bergerons line in practice, and it appears hell be taking the bulk of the pivot duty while playing with one of the best face-off men in the NHL when hes healthy. Jordan Caron skated in the right wing spot that should be held for Bergeron on Wednesday night, and that leaves the CaronShawn Thornton decision for the coach prior to their most important playoff game yet this spring.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Boston sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
The Bs coach was asked if he had any reservations or worries about his two-way center playing in the decisive game on Wednesday night against the Washington Capitals, and his answer was unwavering.
None at all, said Julien.
When the Bruins coach was pressed further on it later in his press conference, he appeared slightly agitated and forcefully stressed Bergeron would be playing in Game 7 against the Capitals without any ifs, ands or buts about his injury condition. After playing nearly 19 minutes of ice time and assisting on one of Bostons goals in their 4-3 overtime win, it seemed a foregone conclusion.
Now its a certainty.
Hes playing. He played last game and hes going to play the next game, said Julien, matter-of-factly. Hes playing next game. Hes not game-to-game. I dont know how much clearer I can get.
So there doesnt seem to be any doubt now after an education from the Bruins coach on Bergerons status.