The defenseman and powerplay specialist, acquired Sunday for defenseman Denis Grebeshkov, often found himself in the doghouse in Edmonton. Oilers fans gave him a hard time, exasperated with his penchant for turnovers as unforgiving when his collision with Andrew Ladd in Game 1 of the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals resulted in both the pair falling onto goaltender Dwayne Roloson. Roloson injured his knee and was lost to the Oilers for the remainder of the series.
But Bergeron claims he was unphased by the negative media attention focused on his play and relationship with head coach Craig McTavish.
"It think it goes with [the territory]," Bergeron said. "We're pro athletes and it's something we deal with. It's never really bothered me before. Most of the people who follow hockey know the kind of relation me and the coach had, but through those four years he taught me a lot and made me a better pro player."
If his Isles debut Monday is any indication, he and the Isles might be better off together.
Despite arriving too late to practice with the team, the powerplay produced a goal on its first opportunity and Bergeron posted a pair of assists in a wild 6-5 victory over Sidney Crosby and the Pens.
"It's pretty exciting," Bergeron said. "It's like a fresh breath. It's a new system, new guys, new coach, and everybody's been really nice. I feel really fortunate to have that support already."
