Patrice Bergeron now has his Hockey Hall of Fame ring, and the Bruins made sure everyone knew it today.
The club's official account took the lead on a weekend that was always going to belong to him.
The Bruins announced that the ring was secured, and the post says all it needs to.
Marco Damico added his own verdict as the ring was presented, calling Bergeron one of the best two-way centres of all time.
It fits a weekend we saw coming. Patrice Bergeron's Hall of Fame weekend was already shaping up as an emotional one for the Bruins.
The team's second post went with a simple line about being etched in history, and nobody in Boston is arguing.
Why Nick Suzuki's words about Bergeron matter
The best praise came from outside the building. Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki, a rival in the Atlantic, spoke today about how much Bergeron shaped him.
"Lots of my game are little things I learned watching from him," Suzuki said. "He's one of my favourite players."
He went further on what set Bergeron apart: "On the ice, off the ice, just the way he was respected around the league, the way he led."
Suzuki also remembered watching from home. "As a kid, I watched him a lot on TV," he said.
When the opposing captain talks about the way you led, that is the standard that outlasts a career. Suzuki is 27 and wears the C in Montreal, and he still points to Bergeron's habits as a reference.
The Bruins carry that standard into Sunday at 12-4-1, first in the Atlantic, with a 6-2 win in Pittsburgh on Thursday behind them. The Panthers come to Boston, fresh off a 4-3 loss in Washington this afternoon.
Quick hits
TAMPA BAY LIGHTNINGDavid Pagnotta just said that if the Lightning offered Nikita Kucherov 7x20 right now, he would probably say no. That is a loud signal for a contract story that keeps getting louder.
NEW YORK RANGERSJoonas Korpisalo gets the Rangers nod tonight in Seattle, according to Vince Z. A big spot for a goalie who needs a strong night.
PITTSBURGH PENGUINSEvgeni Malkin skates on the top line with Sidney Crosby in the Penguins' projected lineup tonight in Los Angeles, according to NHL Game Day Lines. Pairing those two is always worth watching.
VANCOUVER CANUCKSSpittin' Chiclets reports Zach Hyman and Devon Levi return to the Oilers lineup tonight against the Canucks. That is a real boost for Edmonton.
BUFFALO SABRESPuckPedia reports Jack Rathbone cleared waivers, so no team claimed the Sabres defenseman. He stays in the organization for now.
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