"We've been talking about having depth - let's use that depth right now, and if everybody does their job and plays the way we should, we can get through this."
Julien didn't rule out Bergeron joining the team later on the road trip, that will include stops in Toronto and Winnipeg after Columbus. He specified that it was a "minor" injury and not something major.
"We're confident it's going to be real short term," Julien said.
With Bergeron's current status, David Backes slid into his spot centering Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak during Wednesday's skate.
"When you put him there, you can still feel comfortable with him being able to play against some pretty good lines," said Julien. "So you're not starting a young player who lacks experience or maybe somebody who's not ready for that role yet. We're fortunate to have him."
Backes has been skating mostly on the right wing with David Krejci at center and Ryan Spooner on the left wing. His versatility will make it an easy transition back to his natural center until Bergeron comes back.
"We spoke a little bit to our depth in camp and the tough decisions that the coaches and management were forced with, with so many capable players, and now we've got to test that a little bit earlier than we would have hoped," said Backes.
"Would have liked to have been full strength to start the year, but hopefully he'll be back sooner rather than later, and we'll have to all pick up some of the load that he carries, which is a huge load for this team, but spread that over a few guys and we'll be able to manage until he gets back."
When Backes skated with Pastrnak during his first preseason game in the Spoked-B, the two had instant chemistry and combined for six points on the night. The bigger challenge will be quickly adjusting to Marchand's game.
"Playing with Marchy is going to be a little bit of a learning curve," said Backes. "He and Bergy have played together for years and years and years and we've got one day of practice together, so hopefully we can use hockey sense and communicate and get some instant chemistry and produce."
"He's a great player and it's nice to have the opportunity to play with him there, and hopefully it goes well," said Marchand. "He plays a hard game, he plays well down low and he makes a lot of really good plays in tight, so it will fun to play with him."
