The Bruins begin the 2023 playoffs tonight with Game 1 of their first-round series against the Panthers, however, there is a chance their captain won't be available.
Boston center Patrice Bergeron did not skate in either of the team's practices leading into the first postseason game, leaving his status for Game 1 up in the air.
Bergeron left the Bruins' season finale on Thursday after just one period. The team said Bergeron was dealing with an upper-body injury and the removal from the game was precautionary.
MORE: Watch 2023 NHL playoff games on ESPN with Fubo
The organization is aiming to continue its dominance from the regular season into the playoffs Boston set new NHL marks for the most wins in a season (65) and most points in a season (135) while finishing as the top-ranked defense (2.12 goals allowed per game) and second-best offense (3.66 goals per game).
However, the Panthers are looking to play spoiler. Matthew Tkachuk and Florida got into the postseason as the last wild-card team in the Eastern Conference. While the team enters the series as heavy underdogs, Florida was one of just two teams to hand Boston multiple losses this season.
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The Sporting News has all you need to know about Bergeron's status and how to watch Bruins vs. Panthers Game 1.
Is Patrice Bergeron playing tonight in Game 1?
Bergeron is out for Game 1 against Florida after entering Monday as a game-time decision.
Ullmark starts for BOS. No Bergeron tonight
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) April 17, 2023
The Bruins captain missed the two practices over the weekend. The team said that he is dealing with both an illness and an injury that head coach Jim Montgomery said is "something he's dealt with before."
"Patrice doesn’t need extra days of practice," GM Don Sweeney said on Sunday. "If he’s feeling well enough, he’ll play."
Bergeron's linemate Brad Marchand previously said that what Bergeron is dealing with is "not a big deal" and added that he expected Bergeron to be in the lineup on Monday.
"I mean, [Bergeron]’s obviously a huge, huge piece of the group and he always leads on and off the ice, regardless if he’s on the ice practicing or not," Marchand said after Saturday’s practice. "So, it’s not a big deal. He’s taken rest days throughout the year just to make sure he’s feeling good. And if someone’s not feeling well at this time of year, then it’s just great to have the opportunity to rest up and prepare."
The Bruins will instead begin their Stanley Cup chase without their captain, though Marchand's comments might indicate his absence isn't expected to be an extended one.
What channel is Bruins vs. Panthers Game 1 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 1 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 1 start time
- Date: Monday, April 17
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
The Bruins vs. Panthers Game 1 puck drop is set for Monday, April 17 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
The game is being held at TD Garden in Boston, Mass.
Bruins vs. Panthers Game 1 odds
- Puckline: Bruins -1.5 (+111) | Panthers +1.5 (-133)
- Moneyline: Bruins -239 | Panthers +198
- O/U: 6.0
The Bruins enter Game 1 as the favorites at home against the Panthers to start the first-round series.
Odds provided by Sports Interaction in Canada.
In the U.S. Bet365 also has the Bruins as favorites to win Game 1.
- Puckline: Bruins -1.5 (+130) | Panthers +1.5 (-150)
- Moneyline: Bruins -220 | Panthers +180
- O/U: 6.0
Odds provided by Bet365 in the USA (NJ market).
Bruins vs. Panthers series schedule
| Date | Site | Time (ET) | TV |
| Mon., April 17 | at Boston | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN, SNE, SNO, SNP, CBC, TVAS |
| 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 |
