Bergeron Returning After Second Concussion
Patrice Bergeron is Slowly Re-discovering Form After Concussions
Mar 2, 2009 Sebastian Egerton-Read
Bright Young Star Suffers Concussion
Patrice Bergeron started his NHL career brightly winning the adoration of the fans posting 70+ points twice in his first three seasons, whilst also playing a superb two-way physical game. However, on the 29th October 2007, Bergeron chased a puck deep in the Flyers zone only to be crushed from behind by Philadelphia defenseman Randy Jones. A silent crowd watched as Bergeron, unable to leave under his own power, was taken out on a stretcher with a neck brace, leaving many wondering whether the young forward would ever be able to return to the game.
The next few months would see Bergeron make a steady, but difficult recovery as the young Bruin struggled with post-concussion symptoms that made activities as simple as watching television challenging. Rumours suggested a possible return to action against Montreal in the playoffs, but Boston Coach Claude Julien was wisely cautious, leaving the centerman out of the line-up for all seven games of the series.
Bergeron Makes Comeback But Struggles for Form
Bergeron made his first official return to the Bruins when he took part in the Prospect Development Camp during the 2008 off-season. A summer spent working hard, particularly on conditioning, helped him to make a strong start in training camp, notably recording four points in a pre-season game against Montreal.
Bergeron’s performance was encouraging and he started the season well, creating a number of chances both for himself and his linemates. However, an inability to capitalise on quality scoring chances led to a loss of confidence with the young center struggling to be a consistent offensive threat, putting up just 18 points in 30 games to start the season. Bergeron also struggled to re-capture the physical nature of his game, rarely initiating contact in the way fans had become so accustomed to seeing him do.
Any player will understandably struggle to regain his old form after a year on the sidelines, especially considering the nature in which Bergeron sustained his concussion; he had most certainly earned patience from fans and management alike given his performances in the past. Julien still made good use of Bergeron’s excellent defensive, faceoff and penalty-killing abilities as he filled a valuable role on the team, averaging over 18 minutes of ice time per game.
Second Concussion Against Carolina
The Boston Bruins organisation and Patrice Bergeron appeared to have suffered a devastating setback when, while attempting to make a hit on Dennis Seidenberg in center ice, Bergeron’s head caught the Hurricanes defenseman’s shoulder sending him to the ice with another concussion, his second in only just over a year. Once again fears rose over his future, even after reports stated that the two concussions were in no way linked. After an agonizing month, Bergeron made his return to the Boston line-up on the 27th January against the Washington Capitals.
Makes Return Once Again: Signs of Improved Form
In 16 games since, Bergeron has given Bruins fans more and more reason to be optimistic about his future, as his game has taken an impressive upturn in both his physical game and particularly his willingness and desire to be an inspiration and leader to the team. Effort, smarts and defensive play make Bergeron a valuable player to any team but when playing with the grit and physicality that he has shown in recent games, but Bergeron is undoubtedly one of the Bruins most dangerous weapons.
The Boston Bruins will be desperately hoping that Patrice Bergeron can stay healthy and return to being the team’s best all-round player, if Bergeron can continue to recapture his old form, his improved contribution in the playoffs could prove even more crucial than any deadline acquisitions.
Patrice Bergeron
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Bergeron:After hit from behind 27th October 2007
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