"I think [Bergeron] will practice with us," coach Bruce Cassidy said Sunday. "Wednesday, I would anticipate that he's got a good chance. But again, we've got a few days before then but we're hoping he'll skate with the team by Wednesday. Whether that means he plays Thursday, Saturday, Sunday, I don't know. But at least he's one step closer."
Bergeron has been out since Nov. 16 because of a rib/sternoclavicular injury. The forward skated Sunday prior to the Bruins' game against the Sabres at TD Garden but did not play, and he won't play against the Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre on Monday (7:30 p.m. ET; TSN2, RDS, NESN, NHL.TV).
How Bergeron handles practice will determine when he's able to return to the lineup. After Monday, the Bruins next play the Anaheim Ducks at TD Garden on Thursday.
"If he gets through practice Wednesday and he's feeling great, gets some contact, but again, those are things that we're hoping that's how it'll play out because that's our next real scheduled practice."
In 19 games this season Bergeron has 26 points (nine goals, 17 assists).
NHL.com correspondent Matt Kalman contributed to this report
