So for a player who was oh-so-close a year ago, something as insignificant as a sore right foot isn't about to deter him.
Last Thursday, Bergeron was felled by a puck to the right foot. After missing the final two games of the regular season, he returned to the ice yesterday and should be fit for action tomorrow in Game 1 of the first round against the Canadiens at TD Banknorth Garden.
"It means a lot," Bergeron said. "I'm very excited about it. I can't wait. I'm very happy to have a chance to be part of it. This year, being on the ice with the guys, helping the guys to try to win each and every game, has been big for me. I'm very happy to have that chance."
The injury took place in the second period of a 5-4 overtime win over Montreal. While killing a penalty, Bergeron positioned himself in front of defenseman Yannick Weber's shot from the point. The puck struck him on the right foot, and Bergeron, aided by a shove in the back from Aaron Ward, glided back to the bench while keeping his right leg off the ice.
Bergeron returned to the ice several minutes later. In overtime, he threw a hit on Maxim Lapierre, stole the puck, and set up Mark Recchi for the game-ending goal. Bergeron, however, didn't remove his right skate until after his media availability.
Yesterday morning, approximately 90 minutes before practice, Bergeron emerged from the Ristuccia Arena dressing room, stepped onto the ice, took a few quick spins, and headed back to the room after 10 seconds of light skating. During practice, he manned his usual No. 2 center position between Recchi and Chuck Kobasew, skating without limitations, performing hard starts and stops on his right foot.
"Just felt a little sore after I blocked the shot," Bergeron said. "I took some rest. That's about it."
At this time last year, Bergeron couldn't play. Kobasew was wearing a cast. Recchi had wrapped up his regular season in Atlanta and was looking for his next contract. Now Bergeron, Kobasew, and Recchi have combined to form the team's most effective line of late. They've been matched against scoring lines. They've played black-and-blue hockey. They have created scoring chances.
