Bergeron Improving, Bruins 'Keeping Fingers Crossed'
BOSTON (CBS) - Bruins center Patrice Bergeron is improving, but has yet to return to the ice as part of NHL procedures following a concussion.
"He's still going through the protocol I guess," coach Claude Julien said on Thursday. "He keeps progressing on a daily basis. He hasn't been on the ice or done any of that stuff yet."
Claude Julien Gives A Patrice Bergeron Update
Bergeron was diagnosed with a mild concussion after being hit by the Flyers Claude Giroux in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. He is expected to miss at least the first two games of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Read: Bruins-Lightning Eastern Conference Finals Schedule
The Bruins are hoping he continues to progress and can return in the middle of the series.
"We're keeping our fingers crossed that things will start to be clear and more optimistic as we move forward," said Julien.
Bergeron was arguably the Bruins best player over the first two rounds of the playoffs, with two goals and 10 assists in 11 games.
Read: Bruins Chiarelli: We Just Want Seguin "To Compete"
Chris Kelly is expected to take Bergeron's spot on the second line with rookie Tyler Seguin replacing Kelly on the third line.
