The Bruins grabbed a win in Game 1 over the Panthers without the services of their captain. Boston will have to do it again in Game 2.
Patrice Bergeron did not play on Monday in the Bruins' 3-1 win against the Panthers. The center is currently dealing with both an illness and injury.
In his place, Pavel Zacha moved up to center Brad Marchand and Jake DeBrusk on the top line for Boston. DeBrusk and Marchand each scored, while Zacha picked up an assist in Game 1.
MORE: Watch 2023 NHL playoff games on ESPN with Fubo
"It speaks of the leadership underneath Patrice and it also speaks to our depth," head coach Jim Montgomery said after Game 1. "We’re very confident with Zacha in the middle and we know in the future he’s going to be an excellent top two center for us."
For Florida, it is aiming to bounce back and even the series before it shifts to South Beach. The Panthers outshot the Bruins 32 to 29 in the series' opening contest, but could only beat goaltender Linus Ullmark once.
The Sporting News has all you need to know about Bergeron's status and how to watch Bruins vs. Panthers Game 2.
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Is Patrice Bergeron playing tonight in Game 2?
Bergeron has been ruled out for Wednesday's Game 2 against the Panthers.
The Bruins captain continues to deal with a "nagging" injury, while also recover from an illness that has been sweeping through the Boston locker room.
Montgomery said that Bergeron's absence in Game 2 is due to the injury, not the illness.
BOS head coach Jim Montgomery says this is due to injury, not illness https://t.co/UQmoq4Nx3F
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) April 19, 2023
Montgomery said on Tuesday that Bergeron is "feeling better", but he was not at the optional skate for Boston. However, he did skate alone ahead of the team's practice on Wednesday.
Patrice Bergeron is skating on his own before Bruins morning skate. pic.twitter.com/1ucLxlq1Uv
— Patrick Donnelly (@PatDonn12) April 19, 2023
With Bergeron unable to go in Game 2, Zacha will once again center the top line with Marchand and DeBrusk. Tyler Bertuzzi will move up to take Zacha's wing spot on the second line alongside David Krejci and David Pastrnak.
What channel is Bruins vs. Panthers Game 2 on?
- TV Channel (U.S.): ESPN
- TV Channel (Canada): SNE, SNO, SNP, CBC, TVAS
- Live stream (U.S.): ESPN+, ESPN app, Fubo
- Live stream (Canada): SN NOW, CBC Gem, CBC Sports app
The Bruins vs. Panthers Game 2 is set to air live in the United States on ESPN. Fans in Canada can watch the action on SNE, SNO, SNP, CBC or TVA Sports for the French-speaking audience.
For those looking to live stream the game, ESPN+ and the ESPN app are options in the United States, in addition to Fubo, which carries all NHL playoff games on ESPN and has a free trial.
In Canada, streamers can watch the game through SN NOW, CBC Gem or the CBC Sports app.
Bruins vs. Panthers Game 2 start time
- Date: Wednesday, April 19
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
The Bruins vs. Panthers Game 2 puck drop is set for Wednesday, April 19 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
The game is being held at TD Garden in Boston, Mass.
Bruins vs. Panthers Game 2 odds
In the U.S., Bet365 has the Bruins as favorites to win Game 2 after coming out victorious in Game 1.
- Puckline: Bruins -1.5 (+115) | Panthers +1.5 (-135)
- Moneyline: Bruins -230 | Panthers +190
- O/U: 6.5
Odds provided by Bet365 in the USA (NJ market).
Bruins vs. Panthers series schedule
| Date | Site | Time (ET) | TV/Result |
| Mon., April 17 | at Boston | FINAL | Bruins 3, Panthers 1 |
| Wed., April 19 | at Boston | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN, SNE, SNO, SNP, CBC, TVAS |
| Fri., April 21 | at Florida | 7:30 p.m. | TNT, SNE, SNO, SNP, CBC, TVAS |
| Sun., April 23 | at Florida | 3:30 p.m. | TNT, SN1, TVAS |
| *Wed., April 26 | at Boston | TBD | TBD |
| *Fri., April 28 | at Florida | TBD | TBD |
| *Sun., April 30 | at Boston | TBD | TBD |
