It keeps sounding better and better for the status of Patrice Bergeron.

The Boston Bruins captain has been out for the entire first-round playoff series against the Florida Panthers with an upper-body injury. His absence hasn’t affected the team as adversely as it could have, certainly not in the win-loss column, as the B’s have stormed to a 3-1 series lead with a chance to clinch on Wednesday night in Game 5 at TD Garden.

Now, the team is about to be one step closer to getting the captain back.

• Bruins GM Don Sweeney confirmed to reporters on Monday that Bergeron will return to practice with the team on Tuesday, one day before Game 5. Bergeron has been skating on his own in recent sessions and didn’t make the trip to Florida, so this is a clear step forward in his recovery.

  “Well, we’re fortunate that he’ll join us for practice [Tuesday], and we’ll gauge his progression and go from there,” Sweeney said. “It’s day-to-day, and we’ll see how he is when he integrates into other guys on the ice besides just himself.”

  As for David Krejci, Sweeney said he will not practice on Tuesday, but the center is undergoing further evaluation and the team will have a better idea of his timetable after that’s complete.

  Charlie Coyle and Pavel Zacha have each filled in at times in place of Bergeron on the top line with Brad Marchand and Jake DeBrusk. The’ve combined for a goal and four assists through four games.

• 

  Mar 10, 2019; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Boston Bruins center Patrice Bergeron (37) and center David Krejci (46) look on before a face-off against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period at PPG PAINTS Arena. Pittsburgh won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

• Head coach Jim Montgomery said after Game 4 on Sunday that if Bergeron and/or Krejci are ready and medically cleared to play in Game 5, they will both play. Otherwise, it’s likely the B’s would roll again with Coyle centering Marchand and DeBrusk, and Zacha between Tyler Bertuzzi and David Pastrnak.

  The Bruins announced Monday that they’ve reassigned Oskar Steen to Providence in the AHL, which is a promising sign for their improving health. But it’s likely we won’t know for sure whether Bergeron is back in the lineup until some time on Wednesday.

  Game 5 is set for 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday night at TD Garden. You can get the call of the game on 98.5 The Sports Hub and the Sports Hub app.

• 

  Mar 14, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Boston Bruins forward Patrice Bergeron (37) skates against the Chicago Blackhawks at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

• Click here for complete Boston Bruins coverage at 985TheSportsHub.com.

  Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @realmattdolloff. Check out all of Matt’s content here.

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