Bruins’ Patrice Bergeron ruled out for at least 4 weeks

Patrice Bergeron, the Bruins’ top line center, will miss at least four weeks due to a “rib and sternoclavicular injury,” the team announced Tuesday.

The Bruins didn’t give a specific timetable regarding the veteran’s expected return, though the team noted he will be looked at again in four weeks.

Patrice Bergeron sustained a rib and sternoclavicular injury during the second period of the Bruins vs. Stars game on November 16 in Dallas.

He will be re-evaluated in approximately four weeks. #NHLBruins

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) November 20, 2018

So far this season, Bergeron was off to a strong start along with the rest of his line (Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak). In 19 games, Bergeron totaled 26 points (nine goals, 17 assists).

The Bruins will miss the 33-year-old’s contribution in other areas, too. As a four-time winner of the Frank J. Selke Trophy, Bergeron’s versatility in the offensive and defensive zones is instrumental.

Already dealing with multiple injuries — defenseman Zdeno Chara is out due to his knee — the Bruins face yet another test of their depth.