Patrice Bergeron better with age
Though he has long been known for stellar defensive play to the tune of four Frank J. Selke awards for the NHL's best defensive forward (more on that later), the B's most foundational player is turning in possibly his most proficient defensive season to date. And it couldn't have come at a better time for the team as they entered a transitive season of sorts. Though still sharing a dressing room with other All-Star talents such as the league's hottest goal scorer in David Pastrnak, former MVP Taylor Hall, and presently suspended uberpest Brad Marchand, Bergeron finds himself an elder statesman with the recent departures of a few other franchise pillars.
Tuukka Rask, hanging up the pads after a valiant attempt to continue a consistently elite career.
Zdeno Chara, currently playing out the string of a legendary career playing bottom-pair minutes with a rival club.
David Krejci, gone from the NHL this past summer following a decision to lead a more family-focused lifestyle in his native Czechia.
In their place is a very different supporting group than the ones that the aforementioned core led to multiple deep playoff runs over the past decade. A relatively green group of defensemen, an unproven goalie tandem in Linus Ulmark and sophomore Jeremy Swayman, and a motley collection of hardworking forwards round out the roster for Coach Cassidy. Aside from Norris trophy contender Charlie McAvoy, the team lacks some of the stalwart elements that keyed much of it's recent success.
Enter Patrice Bergeron. At 36 years old, an age at which most NHL players find themselves somewhere between "slowing down" and "stopped", Bergeron is showing no sign of decline. On the contrary, Bergeron is turning in what is, by raw effectiveness, his best season to date. With Bergeron on the ice at 5v5, the Bruins are allowing nearly a full goal per 60 minutes fewer than without him. This huge discrepancy also comes alongside typically strong offensive production with 35 points in 43 games to date. This two-way dominance has resulted in an otherworldly 68% expected goal rate for the team while Bergeron is out there, a career best mark among many seasons of elite play-driving. It is in large part due to crushing opponents in these minutes that the Bruins have been able to maintain a strong foothold in the Eastern conference playoff race despite the roster turnover mentioned above.
A member of hockey's prestigious "Triple Gold Club", Bergeron has been a massive part of team success on every stage and on every level over his standout career. He has proven himself among and against the very best of his era. He has earned individual accolades to match. Despite this success, Bergeron continues to push his legacy as a modern great, and at this season's conclusion we may very well see this recognized if he wins a 5th Selke award, and becomes the only player ever to do so. A fitting next notch on the belt of this all-around star.
