The first round of the playoffs was intense, unpredictable and remarkable.
Louis Jean and Alex Picard look back on the big performances, upsets and disappointments of the opening round and also set the stage for what promises to be just as exciting on the “Temps d’Arrêt” podcast.
Hockey fans have been very spoiled in the last two weeks as the most goals have been scored in 30 years and it has taken five number seven games and they have been spectacular, especially the last two which ended outside the regulation time.
“A first round of 51 games, we haven’t seen that in a long time. It will be difficult, but I hope that the second round will be as impressive and exciting as the first”, Jean wished at the end of the podcast.
“Bergeron has gone elsewhere”
Speaking of wrap-up, did Patrice Bergeron play his last NHL game, on Saturday, with the Bruins eliminated by the Hurricanes after the seventh and final game?
Louis and Alex believe the Quebec striker will most likely decide that the time has come to take a well-deserved retirement.
“Everyone would like to see him play a few more seasons, but I think he has gone elsewhere physically and mentally,” the former defender said.
“I’ve been there before. Physically, it’s not as obvious at 36-37 as it was at the start of his career. Plus, Bergeron has had a number of injuries and concussions in recent years.
“And due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the last two seasons have not been rosy, with teams playing a lot of games in a short amount of time. There are several things to consider. In the end, it’s going to be their choice.”
According to Picard, whether or not Bergeron hangs up his skates, “he’ll still be a Bruin.” “I’m sure the Bruins will find him a job in the organization,” he predicted.
Matter of time…
The host of “Temps d’Arrêt” also has the impression that “Bergeron may be ready to move on.” He got a hint of it after the Bruins were eliminated.
“It’s rare to see a player hug his teammates on the ice like Patrice Bergeron did. It seems to indicate, as I have thought for some time, that there is a very good chance that he will retire. However, his decision has not yet been made, Jean said.
“He has considered for several years that the contract that just ended was probably going to be his last. I don’t know what could make him change his mind.”
On Monday, the day of evaluation of the Bruins, the Quebecer hinted that a period of reflection will be necessary before deciding on his future.
“To be honest with you, I don’t know what I’m going to do yet. I need time to think about a lot of things and make the best decision for myself and my family.”
the perfect prototype
Regardless of his choice, Bergeron will never be forgotten in Boston.
“He had a glorious career. He marked the history of the Bruins and the NHL. He gave everything, congratulated the host of TVA Sports. He’s going straight to the Hall of Fame, that’s for sure.”
In addition to his enviable offensive stats (982 points in 1,216 games), the L’Ancienne-Lorette center excels in the other two areas. In fact, the Bruins captain is one of three finalists for the Frank-J.-Selke Trophy, which honors the best defensive forward, for the eleventh consecutive year. If crowned for the fifth time, he would set an NHL record, which he currently shares with Bob Gainey.
“A lot of teams would like to clone Patrice Bergeron, who is seen as the perfect model of a striker who plays well in the 200 feet.”
PODCAST SUMMARY:
1st minute:
Should we panic in Toronto when the Maple Leafs have yet to get past the first round of the playoffs? Instead, Louis and Alex believe that patience is key and that big changes are not necessary.
minute 8:
According to Alex, the Canadians need to model the Lightning mindset and not look for excuses, like the fatigue factor we heard about all season in Montreal.
minute 11:
Is this the end of Patrice Bergeron? Louis thinks it’s very likely the Bruins forward will decide to retire.
minute 14:
Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kristopher Letang “definitely” played their last match together, says Alex.
minute 18:
Did Jacob Trouba deserve a suspension for his elbow to Sidney Crosby’s face? No, claims Louis and Alex.
Nikita Zadorov also didn’t deserve a suspension for his check in front of Luke Glendening, they say.
minute 24:
Jake Oettinger was the best player in the first round, Alex argues. “I don’t remember seeing such a good performance from a goalkeeper in the first round of the playoffs. He would immediately offer her an eight-year contract.
minute 28:
Will Marc-André Fleury return to The Wild next season? Everything suggests not.
minute 31:
Connor McDavid was able to take on the Kings and showed other sides of his game. “He really took the team on his shoulders,” says Alex.
minute 33:
We end the podcast with Louis and Alex’s predictions for the second round of the playoffs.
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