How can you not admire Bergeron? The longest-tenured Bruin is a devoted and diligent athlete who takes his role as captain with honor and pride. He is respected by his teammates and coaches for his work ethic and attention to detail, and is often praised for his ability to lead by example. In the midst of Boston's success, we seem to overlook the process that got this team to where they are. And in reality it all comes down to captain, Patrice Bergeron.
The Bruins captain was originally drafted by the club during the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, with the 45th overall selection in the second round. Bergeron would make the Bruins' roster the same upcoming season, and has been a mainstay in the lineup since the 2005-2006 season.
Bergeron's Two-Way Game
Besides skill and work ethic, Bergeron possesses the ability to play a versatile game. The Bruins captain is arguably one of the most skilled forwards in the game on both sides of the puck.
Boston has arguably the best defensive forward in the game. Bergeron's accolades include a league record of five Frank J. Selke Awards for the best two-way forward. This season, the captain sits second in the entire National Hockey League in faceoff percentage, just a hair behind Jonathan Toews.
Bergeron handles any role given with ease, and the Bruins' captain plays a role on the team's first power play and penalty kill unit. Bergeron, alongside fellow teammate Brad Marchand, are among the top shorthanded point leaders in the league.
Additionally, Bergeron is no slouch on offense. The center has been steady over the past few seasons, averaging at least 50 points per season, if not more. In just 63 games this season, Bergeron already has 23 goals and 25 assists for 48 points.
Boston's Remarkable Season
The arguable best trait of the 2022–23 Boston Bruins has to be their leadership group. Bergeron, along with fellow assistant captains and veterans, are among the main reasons why the team hasn't struggled all season.
As mentioned throughout the media, Bergeron is a well-respected voice within the locker room due to his on-and-off-ice performance. For example, Bergeron's last contract extension did the Bruins a massive favor. The now 37-year-old took a massive pay cut—a one-year deal worth $1,000,000—alongside performance-enhancing bonuses. This helped the Bruins' management stay under the cap without having to make a blockbuster move.
Bruins Regular Season
There is no doubt at this point that the Bruins' will absolutely run away with the President's Trophy, as the team sits nine points ahead of the next closest team. Bergeron and Boston will look to avenge their Stanley Cup Finals defeat in the 2018-19 playoffs.