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With Bergeron Nearing Return, Thornton Could Be Odd Man Out

BOSTON (CBS) -The Bruins will not know until after Thursday morning's skate if Patrice Bergeron is good to go in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

But when Bergeron returns, someone will have to take a seat.

The Bruins have already said Tyler Seguin will remain on the active roster for Game 3, so fourth-liner Shawn Thornton knows he could be the odd man out.

"I know everyone likes to think it's me, but nobody's told me anything," Thornton joked with 98.5 The Sports Hub's Toucher and Rich on Thursday.

Listen: Shawn Thornton On T&R: Seguin's Playing The Way He Needs To

"It's (Claude Julien's) decision, so we see what happens," continued Thornton. "Somebody has to come out. If Bergy is back it makes us a better team… It's all about winning now anyways."

Claude Julien On Patrice Bergeron's Conditioning

Thornton said he will prepare like he is playing in Game 3. Another option to sit is forward Daniel Paille, but he also plays a big roll on the Bruins penalty kill, where Thornton does not play on special teams.

Thornton saw just over five minutes of ice time in the Bruins 6-5 Game 2 win.

Every game of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Bruins and Lightning can be heard on 98.5 The Sports Hub with pregame coverage beginning 60 minutes before each game with the Dunkin Donuts Bruins Pregame show.

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