“Very disappointing day,” said Boston Bruins legend Brad Marchand when the team decided to part ways with Jim Montgomery in November last year. The veteran coach went 120-41-23 (regular season) with the Bruins during his two years at the helm of the team, but was fired by the top brass to be replaced by Joe Sacco.
Early into his third season with the team, Montgomery was sacked after 20 games (8-9-3), causing a lot of stir among the fans. However, the former Boston Bruins HC was swiftly picked up by the St. Louis Blues, who have been on a roll ever since. and Boston fans just might be having second thoughts about the move to send Jim away.
The Boston Bruins attract potshots from the community
RG Media’s Jimmy Murphy took to X on April 5 to share news of the Blues’ triumphant run while also posing a rather difficult question. “Again, why did the #NHLBruins fire Jim Montgomery?” enquired the NHL insider, while highlighting how St. Louis is making the most of Jim Montgomery’s coaching wisdom. The Central Division powerhouse is currently sitting on an incredible 12-match winning streak as they try to make it to the playoffs. Naturally, Murphy, like many Boston fans, has been left scratching his head.
“…please spare me the false narrative that he wanted out,” the social media post vents with a frustrated tone that can’t be overlooked. However, while it’s understandable that the Boston Bruins’ followers are feeling agitated to see the Blues having a gala time, one would argue that the folks over at the Boston camp didn’t make an impulse decision regarding Jim Montgomery’s future with the team.
Again, why did the #NHLBruins fire Jim Montgomery?
And please spare me the false narrative that he wanted out. https://t.co/R7yEP71KLJ
— Jimmy Murphy (@MurphysLaw74) April 6, 2025
Despite a rocky start in October, the Bruins looked like they were on the road to redeem themselves with 2 back-to-back shutout wins as they entered November. However, what followed were three straight losses which ultimately culminated in Montgomery being shown the door. “You might think it’s a smaller sample size. I just didn’t like the direction,” Boston Bruins’ general manager Don Sweeney said after announcing the decision to relieve Montgomery of his coaching duties. “It came from a decision of our team just not performing to the level of expectations that we have grown to appreciate as a fan of the sporting community here,” Sweeney said. When Montgomery left, the Bruins ranked 31st in goals per game and were last on the power play, with their two latest acquisitions in Nikita Zadorov and Elias Lindholm putting up under-par performances.
Nonetheless, Sweeney acknowledged that it wasn’t an easy call. But one would still argue that might not have been the right step to take.
A long line of controversial steps
While the Blues revel in their longest winning streak in franchise history, Jim’s former cap scurries to find a silver lining. With 71 points, the Bruins are currently at the bottom of the Atlantic Division. By defeating the Carolina Hurricanes at TD Garden tonight, Boston finally managed to end its 10-match losing streak, the longest losing streak since the 2009-10. Justifiably, it suffices to say that Joe Sacco’s prowess as a coach is yet to be cemented with the Bruins.
But Montgomery’s departure wasn’t the only fact that might have contributed to the rough patch. Just days after Jim was sacked, the Boston Bruins also traded long-time captain Brad Marchand to the Florida Panthers in exchange for a second or first-round draft pick. Naturally, fans weren’t on board with that decision either and claimed that letting go of the Canadian was the main reason behind the Bruins’ current woes.
Apart from winger David Pastrnak, no other Boston star has managed to make a significant impression this season. At tonight’s game against the Hurricanes, Pastrnak scored a hat-trick to reach the 40-goal milestone, underscoring his determination to protect the Bruins’ reputation. However, despite his resilience, the team is out of the playoffs and is now looking to finish the season with a maximum of 81 points. But will their misery take a turn for the better next season? How do you think the Boston Bruins can find their footing going forward? Tell us!
The post Already In Trouble, Boston Bruins Called Out By NHL Insider Over Controversial Decision: “Spare Me” appeared first on EssentiallySports.
