Patrice Bergeron will make preseason debut Saturday vs. Blackhawks

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 23: Patrice Bergeron #37 of the Boston Bruins looks on during the first period against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden on April 23, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

By Ty Anderson, 985TheSportsHub.com

The Bruins have saved their best for last, as top-line center Patrice Bergeron, who has been managed due to a lingering groin injury, will make his preseason debut in Saturday's preseason finale against the Blackhawks.

"He's gonna play tomorrow," Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy confirmed following Friday's practice at Warrior Ice Arena. "That will be a good test for him, some live action. He felt good in practice.

"Sunday is a scheduled off day, he'll get some rest. Then we'll ramp it up Monday."

The Bruins have done their part to manage Bergeron's chronic groin injury this camp, keeping him out of (relatively) needless preseason action to date. But with Saturday's 3 p.m. tilt against Chicago serving as a dress rehearsal to the regular season, the 34-year-old's return to the middle of a line with Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak is a welcomed sight for the B's.

It's also a necessary step for Bergeron, who has maintained the belief that he will be ready to go on Opening Night, to sell his coach on his availability when things get underway against the Stars next week.

Bergeron had 32 goals and 79 points in 65 games for the B's last year.

Ty Anderson is a writer and columnist for 985TheSportsHub.com. He has also been a member of the Boston Chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association since 2013. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Yell at him on Twitter: @_TyAnderson.