The Boston Bruins have had a rough start to the 2024-25 season, currently holding the lowest winning percentage in the Atlantic Division with a 4-6-1 record after 11 games.
The team’s top-paid player on an eight-year, $90 million deal with an annual salary of $11.25 million, commented on head coach Jim Montgomery’s recent lineup changes following an 8-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday.
Despite the Bruins’ struggles and their fall to the bottom of the division, He expressed support for Montgomery’s approach. The forward, who has been one of the team’s few bright spots with 8 points in 11 games, emphasized the need for the entire team to elevate their play.
“Monty’s just trying to get us going,” He told NESN. “Mixing lines happens, and personally, I’m fine with it. I can adjust to anyone on the ice. Right now, it’s not about the combinations; as a team, we aren’t good enough, and that’s where the problem starts.” He believes the team must step up collectively to avoid further setbacks and improve their playoff positioning.
“We’ll get through this together,” He added. “That’s the only way. We’ll tighten up as a team.”
Jim Montgomery, who won the Jack Adams Award as the NHL’s top coach last season, now faces increasing pressure.
With the Bruins’ disappointing 4-6-1 start, they’ve fallen short of expectations after last year’s Eastern Conference Semifinals appearance. Though he’s voiced his frustration, Montgomery is committed to making the adjustments necessary to rebuild team confidence and consistency.
“Right now, no one is happy with what’s happening,” Montgomery said after the loss. “It all starts by sticking together and putting in the work. There’s no substitute for second and third efforts.” Montgomery is also in the final year of his contract, so his future with the team is uncertain. Bruins general manager Don Sweeney confirmed in late September that contract-extension discussions had begun, but the outcome of those talks remains unknown.
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