The Boston Bruins have announced the firing of head coach Jim Montgomery following a disappointing start to the 2024-25 NHL season. The decision came after the team's below-.500 record and a three-game losing streak, culminating in a 5-1 loss to last-place Columbus.
General manager Don Sweeney expressed his respect for Montgomery as a coach and person but cited the team's inconsistency and performance as reasons for the change. Assistant coach Joe Sacco, a former Colorado Avalanche head coach, will take over on an interim basis.
Montgomery, who led the Bruins to a record-setting debut season with 65 wins and 135 points, struggled to advance the team past the second round of the playoffs in his tenure. Despite initial success, the Bruins faced challenges in the new season, including defensive struggles and goaltending issues.
The team's star players, including David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand, have also faced performance issues, contributing to the team's overall struggles. Goaltending has been a significant concern, with the absence of a clear No. 1 goalie affecting the team's performance.
Montgomery, a former NHL player turned coach, previously coached the Dallas Stars before joining the Bruins. His coaching career has been marked by both successes and challenges, including a Stanley Cup Final appearance with Dallas.
The Bruins now look to Sacco to lead the team back to success and address the issues that have plagued them in the early part of the season. Fans and management alike hope that the coaching change will spark a turnaround for the team and lead to improved performance on the ice.
Montgomery's departure marks a new chapter for the Bruins as they seek to regain their winning form and make a push for postseason success. The team will need to address its defensive lapses, goaltending woes, and player performances to turn their season around and compete at a higher level in the NHL.
