Bergeron On Gresh & Zo: Marchand's Return To The Lineup
The Bruins did not play their best game Monday night, but were able to pull out a 3-2 shootout win against the Panthers on Monday night. Unfortunately the Bruins couldn't hold on Tuesday night against the Lightning and fell 5-3. The B's look to bounce back Thursday night against the Devils.
Bruins center Patrice Bergeron spoke with Gresh & Zo about the recent stint of games, getting Brad Marchand back and not making the All-Star game.
Read: Bruins Chara Named All-Star Captain
The Bruins rode a hot streak for such a long period of time that it might be hard for people to adjust to the normal grind of the NHL season. How does Bergeron describe how the last two weeks have gone for the team?
"I think obviously we've slipped a little bit in our play. In the last four or five games I think we can be a lot better and we seem to not have legs or the energy that we used to and we have to find a way to get out of it."
Every player at times goes through a slump at some point in the season. Before Tuesday night's loss where he scored twice Nathan Horton was dealing with a slump of his own. What did Bergeron have to say about how his teammate dealt with his slump?
"I think last night was a perfect example. I think he played a great game, he bounced back."
Read: Matt Kalman's Mid-Season Notes
Brad Marchand has served his five game suspension for his hit on Vancouver's Sami Salo back on January 7th. Marchand will make his return on Thursday night when the B's visit the New Jersey Devils. Will his return give this team a needed boost?
"Well it's going to be nice to have him back; he's got that spark," he said of his linemate. "That being said it shouldn't be an excuse, we've always found a way without guys to do the job."
Coming off of this suspension, will Marchand still play his game or should we expect to see a little change in the way he plays?
"I don't think it's going to change anything. I don't think he needs to change anything, it's just one particular play. When he goes down to avoid a hit that's the only thing he needs to change and the league just let him know that."
Teammates Zdeno Chara, Tyler Seguin and Tim Thomas have all been selected to be part of this year's All-Star game. To the surprise of many Bergeron was passed over. What was Bergeron's reaction to not being named an All-Star this year?
Read: B's Head To White House January 23rd
"It would have been nice to go, I'm not going to lie. But that being said it's about the team, and last year winning the Stanley Cup, the reason why we did it was because we won as a team and everyone was worried about the team first and not the individual awards."
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