David Pastrnak And Brad Marchand Make Their Feelings Known on the Firing of Jim Montgomery
It's been nearly 24 hours since the Bruins fired their coach Jim Montgomery, and now Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak have spoken out with their opinions.
Bruins GM Don Sweeney told Ty Anderson on 98.5 The Sports Hub that complications in attempting to extend the contract of head coach Jim Montgomery were a big factor in why he was let go.
Montgomery was hired in 2022 on a three-year, $6-million deal and began negotiating an extension at the start of camp.
But with the team off to a disappointing 8-9-3 record through 20 games and no agreement in sight, the Bruins opted to cut ties.
Despite his departure, Montgomery will see most of his salary for the season paid to him.
His impressive coaching track record suggests he won't be out of work for long.
His 120-41-23 record, with a league-leading .715 winning percentage in Boston, coupled with the 2023 Jack Adams Award, makes Montgomery one of the top coaches in the NHL.
Adding five years of NHL experience to that resume, including his time in Dallas, he is going to be a hot commodity when those new opportunities do come along.
Following the move, Bruins star David Pastrnak came to the defense of Montgomery and deflected any blame from him onto the players.
«This is on us,» Pastrnak stated, emphasizing Montgomery's strong leadership.
His defense is notable, given the heightened expectations surrounding him this season after his stellar performance last year.
However, Pastrnak has seen a dip in his production.
While leading the NHL with 82 shots on goal, his shooting percentage has plummeted to a career-low 9.8%, putting him on pace for just 33 goals, a significant drop from three straight 40-goal seasons.
The Bruins' offensive woes extend beyond just Pastrnak, with the club averaging only 2.4 goals a game.
Veteran captain Brad Marchand came to the defense of Montgomery, just as Pastrnak did, acknowledging players are accountable themselves.
At 36, Marchand has been one of the few bright spots this season alongside Pastrnak, the only two Bruins to surpass 10 points this season.
