MONTREAL -- Back in 1995, when the Quebec Nordiques fled south of the border to become the Colorado Avalanche, they left behind one very sad 10-year-old youngster named Patrice Bergeron. Now, as the youngest player in the NHL, Bergeron's feelings for the Montreal Canadiens, the Nordiques' most bitter rival in those days, haven't abated one bit.
"I never really liked the Canadiens," said Bergeron, enjoying a fabulous rookie year with the Bruins, who have a storied rivalry of their own with the Habs. "I hate them."
Bergeron, who was making his first visit to Montreal as an NHL regular, was very excited about returning to the city where many epic battles between the Canadiens and his beloved (and lamented) Nordiques were staged.
"It's awesome for me to be here," said Bergeron, "especially in front of my family."
Bergeron had a sizable rooting section on hand last night, roughly 30 strong, many of whom made the three-hour trek from Quebec City. It was a contingent so large that to house them all, Bergeron's uncle had to rent a Bell Centre box belonging to his employer, Canada Post.
"It's a huge game," he said, "especially in front of my family."
It was actually Bergeron's second trip here as a Bruin. The first time, back on Sept. 18, he opened plenty of eyes by scoring the game-winning goal against the Habs in the Bruins' preseason opener.
He got the game-winner last night, too, scoring the Bruins' first goal at 10:27 of the first period on a power play.
A fine line
In less than a week with the club, Boston's other stellar rookie forward, center Sergei Zinovjev, has done plenty to breathe new life into the Bruins' attack.
His presence, along with that of fellow Russian Sergei Samsonov and Martin Lapointe , completes a dynamic line that on most nights would be too much for any opposing defense to handle.
"Both Sergeis are very good players," said Lapointe. "I just told those guys, 'Keep playing with the puck and I'll try to get open and create some open ice for you guys.' "
Bruins coach Mike Sullivan said he would like to keep that line intact, but will base all such decisions on performance.
"I might be inclined (to do that)," he said, "but nothing's etched in stone. Things change, depending on how the game goes."
Lapointe would be in favor of keeping the unit together, at least while he brushes up on his Russian language skills.
"I've learned a few words," said Lapointe, "but not too many."
The task of learning English might go easier, thanks to the presence of Samsonov, who has mastered the language, and the team's multi-lingual masseur, Andre Papandopoulo. Canadiens lacking
The Canadiens, who were coming off lopsided losses to Ottawa and Philadelphia, are biding their time until captain Saku Koivu returns from a knee injury suffered during training camp.
Koivu, who has yet to see any regular-season action, resumed skating a few weeks ago, only to have the knee swell up on him, delaying his return.
He skated again yesterday morning, but said he is still at least a few days away from returning to action. However, he could dress for tomorrow night's rematch with the Bruins in Boston.
"It's better to think about the future," said Koivu, who has already overcome more serious maladies, namely cancer.
Donato scratched
Center Ted Donato was scratched for the second game in a row. With winger Rob Zamuner almost ready to return from a pulled hamstring, Donato could soon find himself assigned to the Providence Bruins.
The next best thing
You may be reading the name Sidney Crosby for the very first time, but it's a safe bet it won't be the last.
Crosby, a 16-year-old center for the Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL) is being regarded as "The Next One" by none other than "The Great One".
Indeed, Wayne Gretzky has opined in public that Crosby could be the best hockey player to come along since, well, himself.
"There's no pressure, there," said Bruins assistant general manager Jeff Gorton, tongue-in-cheek.
It's the job of Gorton and his personnel staff to keep tabs on phenoms such as Crosby, a native of Haliax, Nova Scotia, who leads the Quebec League in scoring with 18 goals and 19 assists for 37 points in just 18 games.
"My scouts are talking about him," said Gorton, "and everybody raves about him. He seems like the real deal.
Gorton said that advance buzz on Crosby, who won't be draft eligible until 2006, exceeds that which surrounded Joe Thornton, whom the Bruins drafted first overall in 1997.
"Once Joe got to juniors, people started talking about him," Gorton said. "But Crosby, they've been talking about him since he was 14. It's the same kind of hype, but I don't think Joe got Gretzky's endorsement at the same age. It's a big thing for a kid for Gretzky to talk about him like that."
Someone who has already had the task of trying to contain the elusive Crosby is Cranston native Bobby Gates, who plays defense for the Lewiston Maineiacs.
Gates and Co. held Crosby to just one assist in Lewiston's only meeting with Rimouski to date.
"He's very shifty," Gates said. "He's got a lot of speed. The fans love him up there. Everytime he touches the puck, they go nuts. He's still young, so he'll have time to grow as a player."
New England puck fans will get the initial first-hand look at Crosby, Nov. 7, when Rimouski makes its first visit to Lewiston.
