Patrice Bergeron skated on his own prior to Wednesday's morning skate but will remain out of the lineup for Game 2. Montgomery did say that the Bruins' top centerman is "progressing well, so he's day by day."
Montgomery said that it's been an "all inclusive" process when it comes to the coaching staff, medical staff, and Bergeron determining where he is in his recovery. Boston's bench boss also confirmed that the 37-year-old is not missing Game 2 because of an illness.
"He's such a pro, he's such a competitor," said Montgomery. "Obviously, everybody knows he wants to be in but the great thing about him is his ability to put his own personal feeling aside and still lead our group like he does. That speaks volumes about his leadership qualities."
Marchand's leadership qualities have also been on full display in Bergeron's absence as he's had to take on more of the main role in the dressing room.
"He's been excellent, as have the other guys. Everybody knows that you don't fill Patrice's shoes with one person but I think he's taken the lead," said Montgomery. "I've heard his voice more in the locker room in between periods and the daily times when I'm in the locker room to talk about what we're gonna do in practice.
"Usually, Patrice is talking, and I hear Brad talking so he's taking it upon himself and he's a great leader. I've said all year that we're blessed with leadership qualities."
Marchand said the Bruins have used a collective effort to fill Bergeron's void.
"He's obviously a guy that we're not going to replace on or off the ice," said Marchand. "But, collectively as a group, it falls on all of our shoulders to try to help each other and communicate. Playoff time, Emotions are high and there's a lot of momentum swings, so the more we can kind of control that on the bench and help each other out feeds on the guys. So, it's all we're all trying to do."
