Second Forward Line
The second forward line features a modern great playing with two of the biggest names in franchise history. Patrice Bergeron might retire as one of the three best Bruins forward of all-time. His four Selke Trophies ties him with Bob Gainey for the most of all-time. And considering Bergeron has been far more productive than him, it’s safe to say he’s already cemented his Hockey Hall of Fame case.
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Bergeron would be remembered even more positively if he spent some time as the Bruins captain. But that’s a role the human Energizer Bunny Zdeno Chara has occupied for a long time. Bergeron’s importance to the Bruins can’t be overstated.
Milt Schmidt, much like Dit Clapper, spent time as both a forward and a defenseman. His best years, however, came as a center. Schmidt won the 1951 Hart Trophy after putting up 61 points in 62 games. He was named to several postseason All-Star teams. Schmidt would later coach the Bruins for 11 years.
It’s reasonable that Boston fans might not have positive thoughts about Cam Neely. He hasn’t been a good executive. But this shouldn’t take away from his Hall of Fame career as a player. Neely’s 590 points in 525 games ranks eighth among forwards in franchise history. His 1.124 points per game in a Bruins sweater ranks fourth.