Boston Bruins rumors: Patrice Bergeron may give fans an early present

Patrice Bergeron is once again showing how tough of a player he is. The Boston Bruins center will try to return to practice this week. We might even see Bergeron play before the year is over.

The Boston Bruins have had a rough season so far, and it has nothing to do with their record. Boston has been forced to deal with a ton of injuries. It looks like Bruins fans will be getting a gift this holiday season.

Patrice Bergeron will likely be returning to practice this week. The center has been out of the lineup for a month with a rib and sternoclavicular injury. It seemed like Bergeron wouldn’t be returning until after the Winter Classic, but once again Bergy exceeds expectations.

It is clear that the Bruins need Bergeron. They aren’t the same team when he is off the ice.

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Bergeron is such a great player in all aspects of the game. He is one of the best two way players in the NHL today.

When Bergeron returns they will have a much more balanced lineup. It seems like Bruce Cassidy is finally opening up to the idea of splitting up David Pastrnak, Bergeron, and Brad Marchand.

"“That line’s going pretty well, so at least it would be food for thought anyway, but that would be our plan,” Cassidy said. “Or maybe we split them up – put Bergeron and Marchand (together) and (Krejci and Pastrnak together) and try it then. I’ve said I wanted to do it when we get our full lineup, but we’re getting closer to that.”"

This is the best move for the Bruins. For the last two seasons, they have relied on the first line far too much. You obviously expect the line to be your top scorers, but Boston’s offense has been reliant upon the first line having a good night.

By moving Pastrnak to the 2nd line you keep defense’s on their toes. They have to be on top of their game at all times. Ideally, when you have everyone healthy, your top 2 lines will be Marchand, Bergeron, and Jake DeBrusk on the 1st line, and Pastrnak, David Krejci, and Joakim Nordstrom on the 2nd line.

When Patrice Bergeron returns the Boston Bruins will have the heart and soul of their team back.