Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
The Boston Bruins were riddled with injuries on their offensive and defensive sides by the end of the playoffs last season. Two notable players who helped to exemplify what it meant to play their hearts out were Patrice Bergeron and Gregory Campbell, who each suffered damage from a hard-fought playoffs.
With the offseason almost completed, these two fan favorites are on their way back to full health and putting their injuries behind them.
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Bergeron caused Bruins fans to worry when he was forced to miss some time during the Stanley Cup finals. It was unknown how severe his injury was until after the Bruins lost the series. Bergeron suffered a broken rib, torn cartilage and a separated shoulder. He was forced to spend three days in the hospital to recover.
None of this stopped him from playing his hardest and continuing to play despite the pain. Word that there is no permanent damage and that Bergeron is recovering well comes as welcomed news.
Bergeron is of course an instrumental player for Boston who have had some great performances during the regular season and postseason. The whole reason why the Bruins even made it to the finals were his two last-minute goals against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Fans can look forward to Bergeron coming back on the ice by the start of training camp as he continues to improve.
Campbell was another warrior who performed some in-game heroics despite a broken leg he suffered in the Eastern Conference Finals. Campbell managed to stay on the ice for a full minute after having his leg broken in order to help his team defend the other team’s powerplay.
His toughness and determination was the hallmark of his play in the playoffs, and something that Bruins fans took immense pride in. The surgery that was required went well, and he has spent the majority of his two months off recovering. However, like Bergeron, all indications show that he is getting better and will be back on the ice soon playing.
These players, symbols of the Bruins determination last season, are doing well during this offseason. Both are expected to be back soon and to help the team get back to the Stanley Cup Finals again next season. Their sacrifices and toughness will always be a staple of their play, and should continue to be so in the future.
Tim Nikolouzos is a Boston Bruins writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @timnikolou
