Underappreciated Patrice Bergeron finally recognized with All-Star nomination

(Photo by Matt Stone/Boston Herald)

by Dakota Antelman

Bruin forward Patrice Bergeron played ten NHL seasons before he was finally named to his first All-Star Game Sunday afternoon.

The sometimes underappreciated Bruin center has long since been an anchor of his team. As a player focused on defense, Bergeron brings a specialized blend of pinpoint offensive zone work and relentless back-checking to every situation he is put in. He scored with regularity and has, on four different occasions, ended a season with a +/- rating of over 20. That is a magnificent testament to the completeness of Bergeron’s game.

Bergeron had won two Selke Awards for best defensive forward. He had won an NHL +/- award, an Olympic gold medal and been named to the cover of the video game “NHL 15”. But through it all, he had never been named to the All-Star game. Sunday was his first nomination.

As a result, one can understand why even a person as cool headed and team oriented as Bergeron showed some overt excitement during and after team practice Monday morning in Wilmington.

“It’s a cool feeling. It’s an honor. It should be a fun weekend. It’s a first for me, so I’m excited about that and to say I’ve been there, and know what it’s like,” said Bergeron. “It’s good to sometimes have new experiences, and do something different. It’s also one of those things where you give credit to your linemates and teammates, and you’re just happy to represent the Boston Bruins.”

Bergeron will be the only Bruin present at this coming All-Star game. He does so fittingly as he currently leads the Bruins in assists, goals and overall points. Though much of that scoring has come in the last 11 games or so during a recent offensive hot streak, he has been the model of what the Bruins should be striving for all throughout this season.

While others have collapsed or struggled to return to form after minor to moderate injuries, Bergeron has powered through. He has helped keep the Bruins in a somewhat acceptable position throughout the season.

Bergeron, one of the best things Boston hockey has produced in the new century, has long flown under the radar of NHL voters. In 2014-2015 though, a season that will quite possibly go down as a lost one for the Bruins, he has jumped to the forefront, partially illuminated by the plummeting play of his teammates.

Coaches, fans and general Bostonians though are not surprised at the sudden declaration of number 37's skill.  They have known all that Bergeron can bring for a long time. The statistics speak for themselves.

“I think Patrice has deserved that honor for a long time. It’s his first time for a guy that’s done so much, not only for his team but for his league,” concluded Bruins coach Claude Julien. “He was good enough to play in the Olympics, and as good a two-way player as you’ll find. So it’s nice for him to get recognized.”