NHL Return: The Boys Are Back! Marchand, Bergeron Skate

Phase 2 of the NHL Return to ice plan officially commenced for the Boston Bruins Wednesday in Brighton, MA. As reported here Tuesday night, Bruins forwards Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand as well as, captain Zdeno Chara were expected to take to the ice at Warrior Arena. Marchand, via his Instagram account and the Bruins, via their social media platforms confirmed with pictures and video that the Bruins star winger and center laced them up but there was no confirmation that Chara did as well.

Hello again. 👋 #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/5SErcL10PJ

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) June 10, 2020

Phase 2 of the NHL Return to play plan officially began Monday and while Marchand, Bergeron and other players took place in voluntary off-ice workouts, no Bruin had hopped on the Warrior ice until the two members – the other being David Pastrnak – of arguably the best line in the league had some fun with drills they haven’t partaken in since the Bruins’ last game day on March 10. The NHL paused two days later and almost all players –except for Swedish NHLers – have not taken part in an on-ice activity. There hasn’t been an NHL game since March 11 and training camp can’t begin until at least July 10. As of now, the hope is that the 24-team playoff proposal that was recently approved by the NHL and the NHLPA could get going the first week of August but given the volatility of the Coronavirus, there are no dates even close to being set in stone.

There had been no confirmation as of late Wednesday night as to what other Bruins took to the ice under the strict social distancing guidelines that allowed a total of six Bruins skaters at a time and four other team personnel in the building. Regardless of the limitations though, Wednesday was a step in the right direction for the new Presidents’ Trophy winners to chase the trophy they really want, the Stanley Cup.