Bergeron, wearing a non-contact jersey, was in his usual spot, at center between Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak. The 33-year-old forward has been out because of back spasms that began prior to training camp, as well as continued recovery from offseason groin surgery.
"It's a lot better," Bergeron said. "I wouldn't say it's back to 100 percent. But it's definitely trending that way and it's been good. That's why we've been cautious with it and we were shooting for the first game, the opener, and that's what we're still shooting for."
The Bruins open the regular season at the Washington Capitals on Oct. 3 (7:30 p.m. ET; NBCSN, SN). The hope was that Bergeron would play in Boston's final preseason game, against the Philadelphia Flyers at TD Garden on Saturday (5 p.m. ET; NHLN, NESN), but he won't dress for the game.
"It's the first practice, the first full practice that I got," he said. "Probably going to have a few more practices and be ready, obviously, for the opener."
Cassidy said he expects Bergeron to be in the lineup against Washington.
"I believe he'll be ready Wednesday," Cassidy said.
Bergeron isn't concerned about not playing any preseason games.
"I don't have to see it as a problem," he said. "I think that's the way it happened, that's the way things unfolded. It's unfortunate. I would have liked or have preferred to have a full training camp under my belt, but you've got to make the most of it and use your experience when that happens. I think I have a lot of that.
"There will be some situations where there will be a little bit of rust probably on Wednesday, but then I need to use my smarts and experience to beat that off."
