Bruins' Bergeron returns vs. Predators after 16-game absence

Boston Bruins forward Patrice Bergeron is in the lineup Saturday afternoon against the Nashville Predators after missing 16 games with rib and sternoclavicular injuries, the team announced.

Bergeron has been sidelined since Nov. 16 after being run into the boards in a game against the Dallas Stars.

In the 16 games since Bergeron went down with the injury, the Bruins have gone 9-6-1. Forwards David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand have continued to produce in Bergeron's absence with a combined 10 goals and 35 points in that span.

The Bruins entered Saturday's matinee in the first wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, three points back of the Buffalo Sabres for third in the Atlantic Division.