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BOSTON -- After Boston's top four defensemen of Zdeno Chara, Dennis Seidenberg, Adam McQuaid and Johnny Boychuk, it will be a true competition between Dougie Hamilton, Torey Krug and Matt Bartkowski for the final two spots on the blue line.

Hamilton, Krug and Bartkowski have all played well in the first week of camp and into the preseason exhibition schedule. But one of those three will serve as the healthy scratch once the season starts, so the competition should be intense and healthy.

"We don't have to spell that out to them," said Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli. "I spoke openly to the group about competition. I'm really looking forward to seeing the competition at all levels, at all positions.

"Common sense would dictate right now that it would be those three guys for those two spots. They've embraced it and they've played well. I thought Dougie had a good game [Tuesday night]. He was strong on the puck and made some good plays and closed well as the game progressed. Torey and Bart, the other night in Montreal, they both played well."

Chiarelli added that no spot is guaranteed, but when asked if he would be comfortable seeing Hamilton play for the P-Bruins at some point instead of watching from press level as the healthy scratch, the GM said: "My goal is to have him in the NHL."

* With two exhibition games in the books, all four goalies have each played half of a game. Tuukka Rask and Niklas Svedberg played Tuesday night against the Washington Capitals, while Chad Johnson and Malcolm Subban played Monday at Montreal. The latter three are competing for the backup role behind Rask.

"We're all competitive and we all want to be out there," Rask said. "I haven't paid too much attention to that yet but I'm sure as the camp keeps going further and further I'll get to practice with the other goalies and see how they're doing."

Camp has been split into two groups, so Rask has been on the ice with Svedberg all week.

"I thought he made some key saves out there," Rask said of Svedberg's performance Tuesday night. "I thought he was solid."

* Bruins forward Daniel Paille did not practice Wednesday, but both Chiarelli and coach Claude Julien said it had nothing to do with hockey, simply saying Paille was ill and expected back on the ice Thursday.

* While it's a possibility Gregory Campbell could return to game action Thursday night against the Detroit Red Wings at TD Garden, teammate Patrice Bergeron still needs more time, according to Julien, but the coach added it's a possibility Bergeron could play Saturday at Detroit.

* Rask's spirited temper is in midseason form. During the last drill of Wednesday's practice, he took a couple of shots up high and had a few goals scored on him. He stormed off the ice, smashed his stick into pieces against the boards and threw his gloves down the hallway. Afterward, he was fine, saying he's not a fan of the neutral zone scrimmage.

* The Bruins made their first round of cuts Wednesday afternoon. Camp invites Scott Campbell, Jack Downing, Steven Spinell and Ben Youds will join the Providence Bruins training camp, while Tyler Randell and Adam Morrison have been assigned to Providence.

BOSTON -- Bruins coach Claude Julien was pleased that all players passed their physicals, including forwards Patrice Bergeron and Gregory Campbell. Both suffered severe injuries during the final two rounds of the Stanley Cup playoffs and three months later, they’re prepared for training camp. Julien said both players are cleared for practice, but if games were to start Thursday, they wouldn’t be ready.

"When it comes time to play those exhibition games, it'll be a conversation again with our trainers in making sure if they're going to play that there's not a risk factor," Julien said. “Right now, I would tell you that they would not be cleared to play a game if we started today, but that might change in the upcoming days or in a week from now.”

Bergeron suffered torn rib cartilage, a broken rib on his left side, a separated right shoulder and a punctured lung that ended up collapsing and forced him to spend three days in the hospital after the Bruins lost to the Chicago Blackhawks in the Stanley Cup finals last June.

Campbell broke his right fibula in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals against Pittsburgh when he blocked a slap shot by the Penguins’ Evgeni Malkin.

The Bruins have their first of seven exhibition games Monday at Montreal against the Canadiens.

• When the Bruins hit the ice for their first official practice Thursday morning at TD Garden, Julien will get his first look at what could be the team’s lineup when the season begins on Oct. 3. The Bruins’ top line of center David Krejci and left winger Milan Lucic will welcome new linemate Jarome Iginla. Second-line center Bergeron and left winger Brad Marchand will be working with new right wing Loui Eriksson.
  
  Julien admitted Wednesday he was pleased with the way forwards Daniel Paille and Chris Kelly meshed during the Stanley Cup finals, so it could be possible to see those two, along with a host of right-wing candidates, during training camp.
  
  “In the real perfect world, you’ve got your top two lines, and you’d like to see them score on a regular basis. Your third line should be able to give you some secondary scoring and then your third line should also be able to give you some secondary grit that the fourth line gives you,” Julien explained. “So they're kind of, to me, caught in the middle where they give you a little bit of both, and that is what we are looking for from that line. We need more than just two lines to score. We know our fourth line has given us that, but our third line needs to give us that as well, and, at the same time, defensively and on the gritty side of the game they got to be able to give us that, too.”
  
  That leaves the team’s energy line of Campbell and Shawn Thornton. If Paille makes the jump to the team’s third line, it will leave a spot open on the fourth line.
• Youth and depth will be a key factor for the Bruins during camp and into the season. GM Peter Chiarelli has made it known that in order for this team to win, it will need contributions from an influx of younger players. There are roster spots to be won on both the offensive and defensive ends of the ice. Julien reiterated that point on Wednesday, and his advice to the prospects was simple.
  
  “Take advantage of it,” he told them. “We’ve been clear, and it hasn’t just come from me. Peter is the one who has kind of came out and said, 'Listen, we’re going to bring some youth into our lineup, so if some guys want a spot on this hockey club, here is a good opportunity to do that right now.' And it’s open. I think we’ve got some guys on [Boston's AHL development team] Providence last year that deserve that look. We’ve got some guys who we got in some trades that are going to certainly be battling for those spots as well.”
  
  Forwards Anthony Camara, Craig Cunningham, Jordan Caron, Matt Fraser and Reilly Smith are all in the mix.
• With a few tweaks to their roster, the Bruins and coach Julien will focus on the team’s systems play during training camp. Julien believes the team can be a little “tighter” in that area.
  
  “Those are things we’re going to be working on and making sure that’s at the top of our list,” Julien said. “I thought that was one of the things that we could do better, and when we did it well, it gave us success but we didn’t do it on a consistent basis, so that’s one of the things we’re going to be tweaking. It’s a bunch of little things. It’s minor maybe to you guys, but to me, it’ll make some big difference in games, some of the things that we’re going to be working on.”
  
  Julien likes consistency and chemistry, so if he likes what he sees early in camp, then expect to see those lines and special-team units remain the same.
• Earlier this week, Julien said he believed his team was ready to make amends for the way last season ended with a Game 6 loss to the Blackhawks. When asked how long it would take in order to get a feel for his team’s motivation, Julien said he already knows.
  
  “I feel it right now,” he said. “I think our group is in the right place. I like the feeling of our hockey cub right now. These tests today just kind of solidified what I thought. Guys are in great shape, and it would have been easier for guys after finishing so late to just kind of shut it down for the summer, but they’ve kept themselves in great shape and they look excited to get off to a new start here.”
• With the disappointing ending to the 2012-13 season in the books, Julien and his players are looking forward to a fresh start. There are some new faces in the mix, and with the Stanley Cup-winning core from 2011 intact, this should be another successful season in Boston.
  
  “I think it's important every once and a while to get some fresh faces in and continue to create that excitement of being competitive and wanting to win every year,” Julien said. “Things can get stale after a while. That's a known fact. And I think what we've done right now is kept our core together; we got some great leaders, a great core group of guys, and we've added some quality people in there, too. But also we've left room for some guys to come in and win themselves a spot.”
  
  Now, it’s ice time as the first practice will be held Thursday at the Garden.

BOSTON -- After Bruins players spent Day 1 of training camp undergoing physicals and testing, assistant captain Patrice Bergeron said he feels good and is ready for the on-ice sessions to begin Thursday at TD Garden.

It’s been less than three months since he suffered torn rib cartilage, a broken rib on his left side, a separated right shoulder and a punctured lung that ended up collapsing and forced him to spend three days in the hospital after the Bruins lost to the Chicago Blackhawks in the Stanley Cup finals last June.

Bergeron admitted earlier this week that he’s still experiencing some “tenderness” in the rib area but said he doesn’t believe there will be any limitations once practices begin.

“I don’t think so,” Bergeron said. “I guess we’ll go with feel with what happens on the ice. So far I’m feeling good and I’m ready to start tomorrow.”

Despite feeling the effects of the broken rib, his lung has completely healed and he was able to complete his running test Wednesday without any issues. During the team’s recent captain’s practices, Bergeron was able to handle a little bit of physical play, but he’ll be tested in the coming days before a decision is made on whether he’ll play in the exhibition games.

“Honestly, if I feel fine in the first couple of practices and I feel I can bang around and play physical during the one-on-one and stuff like that on the ice, I’ll pretty much feel like I’ll be ready to get going and move forward," he said Wednesday. "I guess the next couple of days will really tell me where I stand with the lingering issues.”

For other players, especially the younger prospects, the first day of physicals can be a bit taxing.

“Oh man, the anxiety,” said Bruins defenseman Torey Krug. “You prepare all summer. I have so much confidence going into the testing that I’m going to do better than last year. I’m going to pass all the tests, but there’s just something about it with management and the coaching staff sitting there watching you test; it adds that element to it. Your heart’s racing and you spend a lot of energy. It’s a tough day, but everyone in here is prepared for it. It’s something you look forward to right when it was the last game of last season.”

There’s also a mental aspect to the testing.

“We do our best to put ourselves in great physical shape to come in and be successful during the testing, so that extra element of the management and coaching staff watching is something you have to overcome mentally and make sure you’re sharp and focused,” Krug said.

After the testing was complete, Bruins coach Claude Julien said that every player passed and there were no disappointments or surprises.

BOLTON, Mass. -- Even though Boston Bruins assistant captain Patrice Bergeron is still experiencing some “tenderness” in the rib area, he’s confident he’ll be healthy and ready for the start of training camp on Wednesday and will be 100 percent by the start of the season on Oct. 3.

It’s been less than three months since he suffered torn rib cartilage, a broken rib on his left side, a separated right shoulder and a punctured lung that ended up collapsing and forced him to spend three days in the hospital after the Bruins lost to the Chicago Blackhawks in the Stanley Cup finals last June.

Bergeron, who signed an eight-year, $52 million extension this summer, suffered the torn rib cartilage in Game 4 of the finals, broke his rib in Game 5 and suffered the separated shoulder and punctured lung in Game 6.

Prior to teeing off as part of the annual Bruins golf tournament Monday morning at The International, Bergeron said he is looking forward to a new beginning.

“I’m feeling pretty good,” he said. “I’m still feeling some tenderness in the rib area but it’s been pretty good. I’ve been able to do most of my workouts and I’ve gone on the ice the last few weeks and felt good. I feel pretty confident I’ll be good for the start of camp and good for the season.”

Bergeron is not exactly sure whether it’s the cartilage or the rib that’s causing the soreness, but he should have a better idea after the players’ physicals that are scheduled for this week as part of camp.

While he’s already been on the ice this offseason, Bergeron joined his teammates at captains practice on Sunday for the first time at Ristuccia Arena. Even though he’s still feeling tender, Bergeron said he didn’t shy away from battle drills.

“I feel like things are moving along well and it’s all positive signs,” he said.

For the first five weeks after the season ended, Bergeron wasn’t allowed to do anything due to his lung. Now that he’s in full-fledged workouts, the only time he feels it is during core or rotational work.

“Honestly, it’s not bad,” he said. “Once is a while I’ll feel it but I don’t feel it’s setting me back at all. It’s just a matter of managing the pain and going through it. I think time will heal it and make it better.”

Doctors have told Bergeron the discomfort he’s been experiencing will eventually subside and that it shouldn’t hamper his preparation for the 2013-14 season.

During his rehab this summer, Bergeron said he didn’t spend too much time reflecting on last season because he wanted to focus his energy on the upcoming year. His dedication and determination to play in the final three games of the finals, despite his injuries, has become an afterthought for him.

“I don’t think I had time to actually think about that,” Bergeron said. “It was a quick summer and I was only worried about getting healthy, fully healthy and worrying about refocusing on next year and not having to think about that last series too much. It was obviously hard to swallow, hard to go through all of that and coming up short. I wanted to play and be there for my teammates and help them as much as possible. I feel all my teammates would have done the same thing.”

While Bergeron’s summer was busy -- in addition to getting healthy, he also got married and got his first tattoo -- Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli also was active remaking the team’s roster. The Bruins added Jarome Iginla via free agency and acquired forward Loui Eriksson, and three prospects, from the Dallas Stars in exchange for forwards Tyler Seguin and Rich Peverley.

The Bruins also lost forward Nathan Horton, who signed as a free agent with the Columbus Blue Jackets. So when camp opens on Wednesday, the lineup will have a different feel to it.

“I think it’s a good thing we have some new blood and guys are excited to be here,” Bergeron said. “That being said, we have pretty much the same core, the same guys coming back. You’re looking forward to meeting the new guys, and the additions are great players and they’re going to help us tremendously on and off the ice.

“Iggy’s a great leader and a great player and he’s proven himself throughout his career. Loui’s a very underrated player and he’s going to help us a lot also. I’m looking forward to getting to know them. It will be a little bit of an adjustment, but they’re great players and it’s going to be positive for us.”

With the additions and a strong core returning, the Bruins have high expectations entering the season.

“It should motivate us a lot,” Bergeron said of falling in the Cup finals. “Every year that you don’t necessarily accomplish what you’re there for, it’s always extra motivation that should help you the next year. The previous year [2012] was different losing in the first round [to Washington] and it was a very bitter feeling, knowing we could have gone a lot further, but last year we went all the way but came up short.

“I think it hurts even more because you’re so close. Chicago played well, it was a couple of breaks here and there that made us lose, so refocusing is very important. You can’t think too much about last year, but we need to use that as motivation for sure.”

As for his first tattoo, Bergeron spent seven hours in one sitting getting what he calls his “protector” on the inside of his left biceps. It resembles a medieval knight with the saying “Master of my destiny” scrolled in French.

“I’ve always wanted one,” he said. “I just had to pull the trigger.”

Now that NHL players are officially participating in the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia, the national federations can move forward with preparations. Hockey Canada announced the list of 47 players invited to a summer orientation camp Aug. 25-28 in Calgary. The camp begins the process of selecting the 23 players who will make the Olympic team.

Three Bruins have been invited: center Patrice Bergeron and wingers Milan Lucic and Brad Marchand.

Bergeron is the only Bruin with Olympic experience. He is among 15 invitees who helped Canada win gold in Vancouver in 2010. Lucic
participated in the Vancouver selection camp but was not chosen to play in the 2010 Games. He and Marchand, a newcomer to the senior team, will compete for spots this time around.

Veteran forward Jarome Iginla, who signed with the Bruins during free agency this summer, was not invited to camp. The full list of Canadian national team staff and player hopefuls can be found HERE.

Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.

The Boston Bruins completed what will likely be their last piece of offseason business Friday, announcing an eight-year, $52 million extension for 27-year-old center Patrice Bergeron. The deal will keep Bergeron in black and gold through the 2021-22 season.

“I’ve been a Bruin since the start of my career and they’re a team that believed in me as an 18-year-old coming in, and I’m really happy now to say I will hopefully retire a Bruin. That’s the goal and that’s what I want,” said Bergeron, who will be 37 when the new deal expires.

The 2021-22 season would be his 18th with the Bruins.

“We’re obviously very happy to get him signed,” general manager Peters Chiarelli said Friday. “You never know now, but to finish his career with the Bruins we’re obviously really like him as a player. He embodies a lot of what the Bruins stand for. He’s a responsible player. He’s a hard player. He’s a leader. He’s a clutch player and he has a classic way of carrying himself.”

Bergeron, who will get married in just over a week, will make $5 million next season in the final year of his previous deal before the new contract begins in 2014. Starting in 2014-15, the assistant captain will carry a $6.5 million annual salary-cap hit.

Chiarelli has been proactive in trying to lock up young, core players in recent years. He signed goalie Tuukka Rask to an 8-year deal earlier in the week and in recent seasons gave defenseman Zdeno Chara and forwards Brad Marchand, Milan Lucic and David Krejci long-term deals.

“I call them ‘pillars of the team,’” Chiarelli explained. “You have the ability to extend multi-year deals going into the last year, so we took advantage of that timing. He’s a leader. He stands what we stand for and he’s proud to wear a Bruins logo. He sets a great example.”

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BOSTON -- After discussing at length the new addition of forward Jarome Iginla to the Boston Bruins, general manager Peter Chiarelli said the team is also "very close" on finalizing contract extensions for forward Patrice Bergeron and goaltender Tuukka Rask.

Bergeron's extension will likely keep the 27-year-old assistant captain in Boston for the remainder of his career. It will likely be upward of an eight-year extension worth more than $50 million. Bergeron recently spoke about the opportunity to play his entire career with the Bruins organization.

"It would mean a lot," he said. "That's the goal. Since the beginning, it's been a team that's believed in me when I was 18 and coming up. Now, like I've said before, it's my home and I feel like it is. I love the city. I love the people and definitely love the organization. It would mean a lot to me and hopefully we can work something out."

Rask is seeking a seven- or eight-year deal close to $60 million.

BOSTON -- Speaking for the first time since he was admitted to the hospital after Game 6 of the Stanley Cup finals, Boston Bruins assistant captain Patrice Bergeron gave a detailed timeline of the numerous injuries he suffered against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Bergeron suffered torn rib cartilage in Game 4 of the finals, a broken rib on his left side in Game 5 and a separated right shoulder and a punctured left lung in Game 6. The puncture eventually caused the lung to collapse, and Bergeron ended up in the hospital following Game 6, spending three days there.

"I'm feeling a lot better," Bergeron said Tuesday. "The ribs and the shoulder now just need some time to rest but it's a lot better.

"In Game 4, my cartilage torn in the corner against [Michael] Frolik, so that's when it started and it obviously escalated because I kept playing and didn't have time to heal it. In Game 5, it was either the first or second shift, I got hit again right on the ribs and that's when I'm sure it cracked and it got worse. I tried to go back in the second and after the second period, the doctors, because the pain escalated they were worried about the spleen so we had to go to the hospital [in Chicago] and get it checked and everything was fine."

When the Bruins returned to Boston for Game 6, Bergeron said he wasn't sure if he would be able to play. He decided he wanted to play so he and the team decided the nerve-block procedure would allow that.

"In my mind, for sure, I wanted to play," Bergeron said. "I was hoping for the pain to go down but that wasn't the case. After Game 5, I was in a lot of pain. The next day I was just trying to find a way manage the pain, I guess, but it was definitely there. On the day of Game 6 we met with the doctors and they were telling me the only way I could play was to have a nerve block, otherwise the pain would be too high, so I did that in order to play."

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BOSTON -- If everything goes according to plan, there’s a strong possibility the Boston Bruins and forward Patrice Bergeron will soon agree on a contract extension that should allow the assistant captain to play his entire career in a spoked-B sweater.

There’s been talk that the sides are discussing a possible eight-year deal for the 27-year-old forward, whose current deal runs for one more season.

“It would mean a lot,” he said. “That’s the goal. Since the beginning, it’s been a team that’s believed in me when I was 18 and coming up. Now, like I’ve said before, it’s my home and I feel like it is. I love the city. I love the people and definitely love the organization. It would mean a lot to me and hopefully we can work something out.”

He’s confident an extension will get done.

“Yeah, I am,” Bergeron said. “I am but I don’t know how long it’s going to take. I’m very confident, yeah.”

Changes in store

Since the end of the season, there have already been some changes to the Bruins’ roster. When camp opens in two months, veteran defenseman Andrew Ference and forward Nathan Horton will not return due to salary-cap constraints.

“It’s a first in probably the last five years there will be some changes like that,” Bergeron said. “It’s the business we’re in, the salary-cap world, especially this year with the cap going down. You don’t want it, but it’s something that has to happen, I guess. It’s unfortunate because you want to keep all these guys, especially these two guys because they were a huge part of our team, the leadership group and I wish them all the best. They’re obviously great guys but at the same time you definitely have to trust Peter. He’s done a great job over the years and I’m sure he’s going to do the same thing again.”

Thoughts on Seguin

Last Sunday, Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli had some poignant comments about what the organization expects from forward Tyler Seguin moving forward, saying the 21-year-old forward needs to be a “better pro.” The Bruins also entertained possible trade deals before the draft began.

Bergeron, who has been Seguin’s center for a lot of the last three seasons, did not hear or read the GM’s comments but understands it’s still a learning process for Seguin.

“I think Tyler’s a young guy still and he’s got a lot to learn,” Bergeron said. “At the same time, he’s improved a lot. At that stage when you’re learning like that, that’s going to happen, you need to make sure you learn from it and find a way to get better. That’s the main thing with him, it’s about him finding ways to battle through it, find ways and build some character out of it. He’s a terrific player, a terrific person but sometimes you need to have some lows to get back up and feel better and play better.

“I thought he was really good the way he helped us. He found a way even though he wasn’t scoring as much as he would like to. He was still battling hard and doing things, the little details that you don’t always see on the score sheet, but it wasn’t going unnoticed from us as players and teammates. He’s a terrific young player, so he’s going to learn.”

BOSTON -- Bruins president Cam Neely knows what it’s like to play through pain.

His career was cut short due to a variety of injuries. So when he witnessed what Patrice Bergeron played through in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup finals against the Chicago Blackhawks, Neely was in awe.

Bergeron suffered a broken rib and torn rib cartilage in Game 5 and separated his shoulder in Game 6 and went straight to the hospital after the game with a punctured lung. He was just released from the hospital Thursday.

“He’s doing well. He’s recovering. I mean, obviously with what Patrice went through to play Game 6 and then what happened to him during Game 6 certainly speaks volumes of Patrice as an athlete, as a human being, who has a compete level we like to have wearing our jersey,” Neely said. “So he’s been a big fabric of our organization for a number of years, and I know he’s recovering and doing well and will have a full recovery.”

BOSTON -- Bruins assistant captain Patrice Bergeron has been hospitalized since the end of Game 6 with a small puncture in his lung.

Bergeron is also suffering from a cracked rib, torn rib cartilage and a separated shoulder.
It is unclear how and when the puncture occurred.

Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli first said the puncture was the result of a nerve block procedure Bergeron had done to decrease pain from a cracked rib so he could play in Game 6. Later, Chiarelli and head coach Claude Julien estimated that the lung puncture occurred after Game 6 on Monday night.

"I don’t think he could have played if it happened during the game," Chiarelli said. "I just, I don’t. I’m not a doctor, but I don’t think he could have played if it happened. He was aware of the risk going into it.

“I don’t know exactly what had happened, but he couldn’t have played if it had happened during the game, so it may have happened after," Chiarelli said. "We caught it and it was like he had a pain in his lung and we brought him to the hospital."

On the nerve block procedure, Chiarelli said: “It was for the cartilage. So there’s a freezing type of procedure, the nerve block, that Patrice opted to do so he could play in the game.”

Chiarelli acknowledged the seriousness of Bergeron’s lung injury.

"Any time anyone gets frozen up, they’re at risk,” Chiarelli said. “Not for future injury, but from a pain perspective, and certainly he was at risk from the lung perspective, but it was a small puncture and he’s fine now."

There was no timetable on his recovery or when he will be released from the hospital.
Prior to that announcement at the beginning of Chiarelli's and Julien's season-ending press conference, Bergeron's teammates were still in awe of what he went through.

"I didn't really know all that he was dealing with but I knew he was in a lot of pain," goalie Tuukka Rask said. "But to see him go out there and battle through it like that with one lung I guess, it's unbelievable and I don't really know how to describe it."

Winger Milan Lucic also expressed his admiration for his teammate.

"Just his willingness to play in that game and to leave it all out there is really impressive," Lucic said. "Playing through what he played through and his will to win. And that’s why he’s basically won every trophy a guy can win, that’s why he’s one of our main leaders in this hockey club. He’s shown how important of a player he is. And it was pretty inspirational to see him suck it up and play Game 6, and I think that’s why we had such a great start. Hopefully he can get some much-needed rest here and heal up his injury 100 percent too, so he’s ready to go next year."

Bergeron finished the playoffs with nine goals and 15 points in 22 games.

BOSTON -- The sting of surrendering two goals in the final 1:16 of regulation, losing 3-2 and then having to watch the Chicago Blackhawks hoist the Stanley Cup on their home ice forever will gnaw at the members of the 2013 Boston Bruins. Even if some of these players go on to win another Stanley Cup, they always will remember the pit in their stomachs as they watched the promise of a Game 7 slip away.

But they also will never forget what their alternate captain, Patrice Bergeron, did to give them a chance at their second Stanley Cup in three seasons. Tyler Seguin, Bergeron's linemate of the last two seasons who is still trying to reach his full potential, can take an invaluable lesson from seeing Bergeron hit the ice after ending up in a Chicago hospital after Game 5.

"I think even when he was getting dressed in the locker room before the game, you could feel the boys' spirits lifted," a teary-eyed Seguin said after Game 6. "The year we won he was doing the same thing; fighting through everything. Obviously guys have bumps and bruises, but he’s a guy that you obviously say is the heart and soul of our team. He wears that ‘B’ with a lot of pride."

If someone hadn't asked him, Bergeron wouldn't have mentioned what he had been going through over the past few days. But Bergeron's medical report showed how true Seguin's words are.

"I had a broken rib, torn cartilage and muscles, and I had a separated shoulder," Bergeron said. "The shoulder was tonight so, I [got] a lot of help from the medical staff."

Yes, you read that correctly. Bergeron not only entered the do-or-die Game 6 with a broken rib, torn cartilage and muscles, he then separated his shoulder during the game and played on, finishing the game with 17:45 of ice time and doing everything he could to will his team to Game 7. But the humble Bergeron wasn't worried about the pain he was in.

"It’s the Stanley Cup final, everyone’s banged up, everyone wants to help the team and obviously I couldn't do that in Game 5," Bergeron said. "It was mostly because they were worried about my spleen being hurt, so that's why we had to go to the hospital. But everything was fine so it was just the ribs and the muscles and the soft tissue. So obviously I would have liked to stay in it, but I was going through a lot of pain."

But even though he was in more physical agony following Game 6, the emotional pain seemed to be hurting the 27-year-old leader the most.

"There’s not many words that can be said right now," Bergeron said. "It’s definitely tough to lose, especially at this time, after everything we’ve been through. You work so hard just to get to this point and give yourself a chance to get the Cup. And you feel like you’re right there, and you have a chance to force Game 7. Definitely it hurts."

Seguin by no means was playing at the level of Bergeron in this playoff run. Bergeron scored the game winner that helped the Bruins escape the first-round battle with the Maple Leafs and went on to have a Conn Smythe-worthy postseason with nine goals and 15 points in 22 games.

But while Seguin struggled to find the back of the net, scoring just one postseason goal, he was doing things he often has been criticized for not doing: hitting, driving into the dirty areas and digging the puck out of the corners.

Sound familiar? Those are elements of Bergeron's game every night. While Seguin can't say he brings that night in and night out, seeing Bergeron's effort, will and determination can only help him get closer to that point and inspire him to come back next season as a more complete player.

Seguin acknowledged that a chronic condition -- likely the hip issue Joe McDonald of ESPNBoston.com reported on last season -- had been acting up recently and that he would be seeing doctors Tuesday. So already, he is following in Bergeron's footsteps and playing through pain for his teammates.

But Seguin's emotions after Game 6 showed in spite of his lack of points, he seems to have learned what it takes to be a star in the NHL, with Bergeron providing the shining example.

"You learn from it, and you use it for motivation. I’ve never felt so motivated in my life," Seguin said. "When you look around the room, whether it’s a guy like Bergeron fighting through everything, or just guys stepping up, [David] Krejci, the way he played in these playoffs, and how big of a performer he was, and that whole line, and [Tuukka] Rask.

"I’ve never felt anything like this," Seguin said as he teared up again. "I’ve never cried for as long as I’ve known until tonight. It sucks, but I love the guys in this locker room, and I’m going to miss them this offseason. But I’m going to make sure I’m working even harder for next year."

BOSTON -- Bruins coach Claude Julien said Monday morning he is “confident” second-line center Patrice Bergeron will play in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup finals. Bergeron was not on the ice for the morning skate.

“Patrice will dress for warm-up tonight, and I'm feeling confident that he'll play,” Julien said. On Sunday, Julien described the Bergeron injury as a “body” injury.

The 27-year-old Bergeron was taken to the hospital on Saturday night after injuring himself in the second period of the Bruins’ Game 5 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks. He flew home with the team Sunday.

If Bergeron is unable to play, expect either Jay Pandolfo or Jordan Caron on the ice in his place.

“Well, I know Pandolfo is going to be in the warm-up tonight for sure, so is Caron, so we're going to have a few guys out there,” Julien said. “And Bergeron is going to be out there, as well. If Bergeron can't go, then I have got some decisions to make. Again, there's a little bit more in the thought process than just picking a guy. I need to make decisions based on what the needs will be for tonight's game."

After Bergeron’s injury Saturday night, Carl Soderberg centered the Bruins’ second line.

Here's what the lineup could look like if Bergeron returns:

Forwards
Milan Lucic-David Krejci-Nathan Horton
Brad Marchand-Patrice Bergeron-Jaromir Jagr
Daniel Paille-Chris Kelly-Tyler Seguin
Carl Soderberg-Rich Peverley-Shawn Thornton

Defense
Zdeno Chara-Johnny Boychuk
Andrew Ference-Dennis Seidenberg
Torey Krug-Adam McQuaid

Goalies
Tuukka Rask
Anton Khudobin

BOSTON -- Boston Bruins coach Claude Julien did not rule out Patrice Bergeron for Game 6 of the Stanley Cup finals, telling French-speaking media on Sunday that he was "encouraged" by the news he received on the injured forward.

A source close to Bergeron told ESPNBoston.com he was optimistic that the 27-year-old would be able to play Monday against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Earlier Sunday, Julien told English-speaking media that Bergeron is "day to day" with a "body" injury after exiting Game 5 in the second period with an undisclosed injury. After being taken to a Chicago hospital for observation. Bergeron flew back with the team to Boston on Sunday.

"Well, again, what does day to day mean?" Julien asked rhetorically when a reporter tried to pry details on Bergeron's status. "I don't know if he'll skate tomorrow -- he may. And that's what day to day is. Again, I'm trying to be as clear as I can here."

Julien was then asked how Bergeron's spirits were.

"Was that the question you asked [Brad Marchand] because he said he looks dashing today in his suit," Julien joked "He's a guy that's day to day, and day to day is really good news to me anyway."

All kidding aside, the Bruins realize what they will be missing if Bergeron can't play in a do-or-die Game 6 at TD Garden. Bergeron has been outstanding for the Bruins in the playoffs with nine goals and 15 points, including two game-winning goals.

"He does everything right, basically," linemate Marchand said prior to Julien's press briefing. "He's such a great face-off guy and it really gives us the opportunity to start with the puck a lot. He's very tough to play against defensively, and he's been doing a very good job at playing against their top guys."

As goalie Tuukka Rask pointed out, there will be no replacing Bergeron, but the Bruins must collectively move on and rally together should the star center not play in Game 6.

"You don't replace him," Rask said Sunday. "You adapt and play a different game out there. We can't feel sorry for ourselves if he's missing. We just have to play with the guys that we have."

The Blackhawks may be missing their best two-way player and captain, Jonathan Toews, who left Game 5 with an upper-body injury. Chicago realizes how critical Bergeron and Toews are to their respective teams and the effect either or both of their absences could have.

"Both great players. I think any coach in the league, any player in the league would like to have those guys on their team," Blackhawks left wing Patrick Sharp said. "I can't speak for what Boston is dealing with, with Bergeron. I know I don't need to say much about Jonathan. I think everyone knows what we think of him in our locker room."

With a 3-1 loss in Game 5 on Saturday night, the Bruins fell behind 3-2 in the Stanley Cup finals and now will have to stave off elimination in Game 6 on Monday at TD Garden. Here are five takeaways from Game 5:

Can the Bruins win the Stanley Cup without Patrice Bergeron? Give the Bruins plenty of credit; they did not fold after falling behind 2-0 and losing arguably their MVP as well as a leader in Bergeron. Bergeron suffered an undisclosed injury prior to Patrick Kane's scoring his second goal to make it 2-0 5:13 into the second period. The Bruins regrouped and held the fort strong for the remainder of the middle frame, and then cut the lead to 2-1 on captain Zdeno Chara's third goal of the playoffs 3:40 into the third. But that lead, and the absence of the player who is arguably a co-captain (not just alternate) with Chara and their best all-around player, plus a revitalized Blackhawks team seemed to be just too much for the resilient Bruins. With the news that Bergeron was taken to a local hospital for observation, I tweeted during the third period, "No Bergeron = No Cup" for the Bruins, and I believe that to be the case. Yes, the Blackhawks lost Jonathan Toews in the third period, but he remained on the bench and wasn't taken by ambulance to a hospital. And yes, Bruins coach Claude Julien said there was no update on Bergeron and he might play in Game 6, but if that's not the case and even if Toews doesn't play, this scribe believes the Bruins cannot win two straight elimination games without Bergeron. If not for Tuukka Rask, Bergeron very well could be the Conn Smythe winner if the Bruins were to win the Cup. He is the heartbeat of the Bruins and the player who can provide anything in any situation in which Julien needs him. The Bruins might force a Game 7 because they're that resilient, but without Bergeron, they will not win the 2013 Stanley Cup.

CLICK HERE to read colleague Joe McDonald's column on Bergeron.


Just a reminder that Chara is still Chara: Heading into Game 5, the Blackhawks openly bragged that they were not intimidated by Chara and knew how to beat him. After showing that in Game 4, with Chara finishing at minus-3, they did so to an extent in Game 5, as the captain was minus-2 and struggled for much of the first two periods. But Chara wasn't about to roll over, and in the third period, he came out flying, hitting anything in sight and scoring the Bruins' lone goal. While his defensive game might not have been up to his usual standards in the past two games, he still has a goal and two assists in those two games. Let's be realists here: Chara is human, and like anyone else, he can wear down when playing the minutes he has been playing. But he is still one of the hardest workers in the NHL, and he showed that again in Game 5.

Rask and Crawford bounce back: Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask and Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford were the subject of scrutiny by media and fans alike heading into Game 5 after questionable performances in the Blackhawks' 6-5 Game 4 win. But as they have on so many occasions during the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs, the two netminders and Conn Smythe candidates bounced back in Game 5. Rask finished with 29 saves and really couldn't be blamed for either of the two goals he allowed to Kane. As Rask did in Game 4 -- even when allowing six goals -- he kept his team in the game and gave it a chance to win Game 5. He stopped all 12 shots he faced in the third period as the Bruins tried to come back and potentially tie the game. Rask was the least of the Bruins' problems, and the Bruins had some costly defensive lapses in front in Game 5. Meanwhile, Crawford once again silenced the doubters, with a 24-save performance and the win. He was especially big in the opening period as the Bruins outshot the Blackhawks 11-8 but still trailed 1-0 after the first. He is now 15-7 with a 1.83 goals-against average and .932 save percentage as well as being one win from the Stanley Cup.

Faceoffs a difference again: As they have been throughout this series, faceoffs were a crucial factor in Game 5. Even though the Blackhawks were beat on the faceoff dot 39-38 in Game 4, they were a much different team after being dominated in faceoffs in the previous two games. In Game 5, the Hawks actually won the faceoff battle 33-24, and it helped them take a 3-2 series lead. When their skilled players have the puck more, chances are they will score or at least create scoring opportunities more often, and that was the case in Game 5. The Bruins clearly missed their faceoff master after Bergeron left the game injured. They will need to step up as a team at the dot to prevent the Blackhawks from utilizing their offensive skill.

Soderberg not a bad choice: Julien did some line shuffling for Game 5, replacing Kaspars Daugavins with Carl Soderberg on the fourth line with Shawn Thornton and Rich Peverley. The Swedish forward made his coach look pretty smart. Soderberg had some solid chances early on thanks to some strong skating and forechecking. And thanks to his efforts, he found himself taking Bergeron's spot between Jaromir Jagr and Brad Marchand on the second line. Soderberg couldn't seize a regular spot in his six regular-season games, but after a solid 14:16 of ice time in Game 5, he definitely will have Julien thinking about playing him again in Game 6, especially if Bergeron doesn't play.