Significant changes to Bruins' lineup as Bergeron misses practice!

Fear is getting worse for Boston Bruins fans as it was just reported that Patrice Bergeron was missing from practice on Friday, ahead of Game 3 against the Blues in St. Louis on Saturday. 

Don Cherry was first to point out how he believes Bergeron is seriously injured, and apparently dealing with an ailment serious enough to prevent him from being used where he does best: in the face-off circles. 

On Wednesday night during the St. Louis Blues’ 3-2 overtime win in Game 2,  Bergeron did not take the face-off at two crucial times at the end of the contest. He also only won just 38% of his face-off attempts - which is so unlike the star player… On top that, Bergeron was on the ice for just 16 minutes in Game 2 while his line mates Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak got more minutes than the veteran… 

If his injury is serious enough to prevent him from playing to the best of abilities, the Bruins could be in serious trouble for the remainder of the series. 

On Friday, it did prevent him from attending practice. Karson Kuhlman was slotted in his spot for the skate. 

As for injured defenseman Matt Grzelcyk, he was replaced by John Moore in the lineup and should be inserted for Game 3 as Grzelcyk is expected to miss at least a week of action. 

Here is a look at the Bruins’ lineup during Friday’s practice: 

Marchand - Kuhlman - Pastrnak
DeBrusk - Krejci - Backes
Johansson - Coyle - Heinen
Nordstrom - Kuraly - Acciari

Chara - McAvoy
Krug - Carlo
Moore - Clifton
Vaakanainen - Kampfer

Rask
Halak

UPDATE: Bruins fans, you can relax. Head coach Bruce Cassidy confirmed after practice that Bergeron will take part in Game 3. It was a maintenance day for the veteran player.