Patrice's back!

That cheer you heard about 10 minutes ago emanating from Florida came after Colin and I learned that Boston's Patrice Bergeron, a favorite here at Hound Central 3.0, has been cleared to participate in the NHL playoffs.

Patrice, who sustained a serious concussion during a game last October after a cheap hit from behind by Philadelphia's Randy Jones, said he wouldn't play in Thursday's series opener against the Montreal Canadiens.

Still, though, for Patrice to be cleared medically for the playoffs has got to be a big boost of confidence for himself, the Bruins and their fans. Especially for two, down here in Florida, who have neither the Buffalo Sabres nor the Tampa Bay Lightning in the playoffs.