Ray Bourque, Cam Neely and Zdeno Chara joined a big Bruins turnout at the Hockey Hall of Fame tonight for Patrice Bergeron.
The ceremony is Bergeron's night, but the building looked like a Bruins family reunion. Belle Fraser noted that the turnout also included Charlie McAvoy, David Pastrnak, Marco Sturm and Don Sweeney, "and many more."
Pastrnak and McAvoy came to support the man who wore the letter before them. The Hockey News spotted both at the Hall of Fame.
Then came the name that makes this a real reunion. Brad Marchand, now a Panther, was there too, a day after Florida lost 4-1 in Boston.
The Hockey News pointed out that Bergeron and Marchand combined for 2,016 points in 2,384 games with the Bruins.
Chara was part of it as well, and the team posted "A Hall of Fame bond." with a credit to his Instagram. The Bruins also posted "Rolling deep on the red carpet" from the evening.
Bergeron, Marchand and Chara were the spine of the 2011 Cup team, and seeing them in one room again says plenty about how long this group has stayed close. Sturm has called Bergeron "Mr. Perfect" before, and tonight's crowd suggests plenty of others in the organization feel the same.
Where today's Bruins stand next to the 2011 core
Pastrnak and McAvoy walked in as the faces of a team that sits 13-4-1, first in the Atlantic and on a four-game winning streak. Sunday's 4-1 win over the Panthers pushed that streak to four.
It is a strong start, and Sturm's group is earning it. But a good November does not put anyone in the company that filled that room tonight. Only the spring does that, and the Bruins who stood beside Bergeron know it better than anyone.
For now, the current group gets one more night in the shadow of the standard. Boston is back on the ice Thursday against Montreal.
Quick hits
SAN JOSE SHARKSAiden Celebrini, younger brother of Macklin, left Boston University's loss and is uncertain for Tuesday, according to Adam Kblat. Sharks fans will be watching closely.
PHILADELPHIA FLYERSJoseph Woll starts in Vancouver tonight, and Rick Tocchet is reshuffling his blue line and forward group. The Flyers announced it themselves.
INJURYCale Makar is on the road with the Avalanche after leaving practice, even as Colorado called up a defenseman. His status is still unclear.
NEW JERSEY DEVILSDaniel Amoia says the Connor Hellebuyck plan should make fans feel good, and he is pointing straight at GM Sunny Mehta. Devils fans have heard a lot about it lately.
WASHINGTON CAPITALSTuesday in Ottawa starts the Capitals' first real road trip of the season. They have barely left Washington all month.
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