Jim Montgomery has been relieved of his duties as head coach of the Boston Bruins after more than two seasons, with Joe Sacco stepping in as the interim coach. Under Montgomery’s leadership, the Bruins achieved an impressive record of 120 wins, 41 losses, and 23 overtime losses, setting a high standard for the franchise when he took over on July 1, 2022.
This season, however, the Bruins have struggled, currently holding a record of 8 wins, 9 losses, and 3 overtime losses. Their performance has raised concerns among management, especially after a disappointing 5-1 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. The team has a goal differential of minus-21, positioning them near the bottom in the NHL.
General Manager Don Sweeney expressed gratitude towards Montgomery, highlighting his contributions to the team and the organization. Sweeney noted that Montgomery led one of the most historic seasons in NHL history, achieving the highest single-season win record and winning the Jack Adams Award for outstanding coaching.
Despite the success, the team’s inconsistent performance this season prompted the coaching change. Sweeney believes that Sacco, with extensive experience in the organization and a prior head coaching role with the Colorado Avalanche, can lead the team toward improvement.
Team president Cam Neely echoed Sweeney’s sentiments, appreciating Montgomery’s positive influence on players and staff alike. Neely expressed confidence in Sacco’s ability to guide the team through this challenging period.
This change comes as the Bruins aim to regain their competitive edge and meet the standards their dedicated fanbase expects. It also reflects a willingness to adapt and make necessary adjustments in pursuit of success.
As the team moves forward under Sacco’s interim leadership, there is hope that his familiarity with the roster and the Bruins’ expectations can spark a turnaround, potentially revitalizing the team’s performance as the season progresses. The move reflects a proactive approach in the face of adversity, illustrating that the Bruins are committed to regaining their status among league leaders.