“Let’s put it this way, if he’s not back, we’ve lost our best player since the beginning of the year,’’ said coach Claude Julien, confirming that it was the shot to the hand that knocked Bergeron out of the action. “That sums it up right there.’’
Asked if he could provide at least a preliminary medical report, Julien added, “No, we don’t gauge ourselves on that . . . we’ll let him see our doctors and tomorrow we’ll have something specific.’’
Bergeron was hurt early in the second period as he moved to the top of the crease in the offensive zone. Gaining position on Rangers defenseman Mike Del Zotto in front of goalie Henrik Lundqvist, Wideman’s shot from above the circles nailed Bergeron on the right glove, sending the Team Canada Olympian to the bench shaking his hand.
Television cameras caught Bergeron wincing on the bench as he talked to team trainer Don DelNegro and a Versus report later in the period noted that Bergeron entered the X-ray room at the Garden. Before leaving the bench, it appeared as if Bergeron were icing the hand.
Team spokesman Eric Tosi said before the third period that Bergeron would not return, but Tosi did not provide details as to the nature of the injury. Postgame, Tosi also would not confirm that Bergeron underwent X-rays and repeated the party line that Bergeron will be examined today.
Teammate Matt Hunwick, who picked up a goal and an assist in a late third-period rally that had the Bruins pull even, 2-2, noted what a disappointment it would be if Bergeron is lost for an extended period.
“After the way things have been going, to be named to the Canadian Olympic team, and just the year he’s had, fighting through adversity for a couple of years,’’ said Hunwick, “obviously it’s a big blow to our team. He was our leader when [Marc Savard] was out.’’
