BOSTON (AP) Bruins center Patrice Bergeron was back on the ice for Game 5 of Boston's first-round playoff series against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Bergeron missed the Bruins' 3-1 Game 4 victory Thursday with an undisclosed injury. The Bruins lead the series 3-1 lead and can advance with a victory. If Toronto wins, Game 6 is Monday at Air Canada Centre.
Bergeron participated in the morning skate at Warrior Ice Arena and said he was optimistic, but had to sell it to the medical staff. Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy thought Bergeron ''looked good'' during the skate.
After totaling 30 goals and 33 assists during the season, Bergeron had five assists in the first three games of this series. Bergeron is impressed with how his team played during his absence.
''It speaks a lot to both the depth that we have and guys always find a way to step up,'' he said. ''It's something we've been through many times this year, so I was definitely confident. But, at the same time, you're always a lot nervous when you're not playing.''
