The Bruins are hoping changes behind the bench will be a catalyst heading into their inaugural season.
Boston fired head coach Jim Montgomery on Tuesday and promoted assistant coach Joe Sacco to lead the team on an interim basis.
“Today, I made a very difficult decision regarding a coaching change,” general manager Don Sweeney said in a statement. “Jim Montgomery is a very good NHL coach and an even better person. He has had a positive impact on the entire Bruins organization, and I am honored to have the opportunity to work with him and learn from him. I am grateful and grateful for that.”
Montgomery took over as coach of the Bruins in the 2022-23 season and found immediate success, leading the team to an NHL-record 135 points and 65 wins, but the team blew a 3-1 series lead and missed the first round of the playoffs. was defeated. Panthers.
Boston followed up last year's historic season with 109 points, but this season has been on a downward trend, starting with an 8-9-3 record, good for eighth place in the Eastern Conference.
Monday's lethargic 5-1 loss to the Blue Jackets, based in the basement of the Metropolitan Division, seemed to be the final straw for Montgomery, but that wasn't the only reason.
While the Bruins aren't particularly strong in any facet of the game, Boston's offense and special teams are particularly troublesome, with the team ranking 31st in goals per game (2.40) and last in the league in power play conversions. Yes (11.7%).
They also rank 25th in penalty kill success rate at 75.6 percent.
Additionally, they are scoring 3.45 goals per game, which ranks 28th in the NHL.
Only one player is ranked inside the top 50 in points, David Pastrnak with 17 points, tied for 41st place.
Sacco is now tasked with leading a turnaround amidst a worsening situation.
A star at Boston University, Sacco played 13 years in the NHL before transitioning into coaching, leading the Avalanche to a 130-134-30 record over four seasons (2009-2013).
He has been an assistant with the Bruins for the past 10 years.
According to TSN's Pierre LeblancSacco will get a “real crack” at the full-time job before the Bruins consider talking with other candidates.
“We believe Joe Sacco has the coaching experience to focus players and teams on the consistent effort necessary for NHL success,” Sweeney said. “We remain committed to making the necessary adjustments to meet the standards and performance expected by our fans who support us.”
