Let's just start this off by saying it is about time that Patrice Bergeron won the Selke. There isn't a player on the Bruins that plays with more heart and determination than Bergeron. And that isn't taking anything away from the rest of the team, but Bergeron is one of those special players that every team wishes they had. Since his return from his concussion during the 2007-08 season, Bergeron has improved every year. He has gradually increased games played, goals, assists, hits and shots blocked since returning from his injury. At only 26 years old, there is no signs that Bergeron is going to slow down.
If Bergeron wasn't such a great two-way player he would probably be pushing the 80 mark easily, however he doesn't need to change a thing. He is a monster in the face-off circle, a complete nuisance on the penalty kill and he lead the league in plus-minus with a +36 during the 2011-12 season. With all of the talent off the team, Patrice Bergeron is arguably the most important player on the roster.
During game seven vs the Capitals, Bergeron had a chance to bury a rebound off of a Dennis Seidenberg shot, however the mixture of a bad oblique and an unsettled puck ruined what could of been another highlight in his career. There is no saying how far the Bruins would have gone if Bergeron banged home that rebound. It just goes to prove how when your best all around player is hurt that it is tough to win any series no matter how much of a favorite the team was. Even though Bergeron is primarily squeaky clean, there has got to be something to criticize him about.
Bergeron was the main factor in why his line of Brad Marchand and Tyler Seguin were the most consistent line on the team. There couldn't have been a better player who Seguin could have been mentored with. Seguin should be the Bruins future first line center and if he continues to play along side Bergeron he will learn from one of the best. Bergeron, Seguin and Marchand finished 1st, 2nd and 5th in the league for +/- which is ridiculous in itself. Add Chris Kelly and Zdeno Chara at 3 and 4 and you got the Bruins owning the top five for =/- in the NHL.
There isn't an easier grade to hand out to a player this season. With his track record the last four seasons, expect Bergeron to have an even better year this season (barring a lock out of course) especially with a more improved Tyler Seguin skating beside him.
Grade: A