It's time to send Patrice Bergeron to the All-Star Game

by Arenacale on Jan 25, 2011 3:40 PM EST

Right now, the list of players who have dropped out of the All-Star Game is pretty impressive: Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Ales Hemsky, Jordan Eberle, Tobias Enstrom...it's looking more and more like the Pro Bowl. So far, Martin Havlat has been added to the game to bolster the numbers, and it's a well deserved invite. But there's still spots to fill, and one of those should go to a hard working, dedicated leader who, while maybe lacking some flash and gaudy numbers, is a star for representing his franchise and setting the tone for everyone on his team.

That leader is Patrice Bergeron.

Granted, the NHL could find some shootout specialist to triple-deke the goalies out of their skates, and make the casual fans happy. In my mind, though, the All-Star Game should be a reward for players who truly lead their teams, maybe not on the score sheet or in the stat lines, but in how they play and how they carry themselves. Bergeron does not appear at the top of scoring or assist lists. But he is top 10 in +/-, and his attitude and work ethic have turned him into a critical, core component of the Bruins.

Normally, without the extravagant numbers, I would have difficulty in recommending such a player to the ASG. It's especially difficult this year with so many players having fantastic seasons. But the situation that has presented itself means that the NHL has the opportunity to reward a player who means the world to his franchise and it's fans.

It's time to make what we know official.

Patrice Bergeron. All Star.

Many FanPosts are written by readers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Stanley Cup of Chowder, SB Nation, their sponsors, or business partners.

Tweet Comment 7 comments | 2 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

The agree wholeheartedly. <—- I was trying to find the sound clip from the Adam Carolla Podcast, but couldn’t find it.

Stanley Cup of Chowder: A Hearty Helping of Hockey in The Hub

by Stanley Cup of Chowder on Jan 25, 2011 5:44 PM EST reply actions

I couldn’t agree more! Hear Hear!

by SkateHitShoot on Jan 25, 2011 6:48 PM EST reply actions

I would like to hear the honest opinion of players behind closed doors about the All Star Game. I really don’t think they give a crap. Maybe if it’s their first, but after that, I don’t know, I think most players would rather go home and spend a weekend with their families.

by MattS on Jan 25, 2011 8:05 PM EST reply actions

I’d like to think there are a few that do view being selected as some type of an honor. I’m sure most would rather go home for a weekend, but this is thier job and when they are the best at what they do, part of thier job is to help promote the game that made them.
I bet Bergy would go every year, if he could and love it.

by SkateHitShoot on Jan 25, 2011 9:09 PM EST up reply actions

No Brainer

I’ve had this discussion with many a fan and usually my opponent is trying to sing the praises of Krejci or someone of that ilk, but there is little doubt who you want at the point on the power play – Bergeron, killing penalties – Bergeron, playing against the other teams best forwards- Bergeron or taking a critical face off – Bergeron. Even Montreal fans (Bergeron is an admitted Nordiques fan much to the demise of the Habs fans) wish he was on their team.

Arenacale – your argument is eloquent and spot-on. I think you might be onto something, now if Bruins Nations can get on board and make some noise you just might pull it off.

by douces3 on Jan 26, 2011 12:01 AM EST reply actions

I totally agree. I put in a ton of votes for Bergeron this year. Wouldn’t take very many people to get him in. We should vote him in for next year. Who’s starting this movement?!

by I Love Ska on Jan 28, 2011 3:42 PM EST reply actions

Vote for Bergy next year!

I am totally in for voting for him next year. If anything he should have gotten in when he came back from his big concussion. He is everything to this team and more. The guy is a verteran and hes only in his mid 20’s. He should go every year.

by BruinsLover on Jan 30, 2011 10:13 AM EST reply actions