Jim Montgomery rips Bruins, says team isn’t ready for playoffs yet originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
Boston Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery isn’t happy with his team right now.
Not at all.
The Bruins gave a lackluster performance in a 5-2 loss to the New York Rangers last Thursday and then had plenty of chances to beat the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday before losing 3-2. Monday’s practice didn’t get off to the best start, either, prompting Montgomery to pause the session for sprints, along with a strong verbal message.
Jim Montgomery stops practice for end-to-end sprints.
“Wake the (expletive) up.”
— Fluto Shinzawa (@FlutoShinzawa) March 25, 2024
In his press conference after practice, Montgomery gave a harsh and candid assessment of his team’s recent performance and its issues. It was probably the most critical he’s been of this team since he took over as head coach in June of 2022.
“I hated the way we finished the game in Philly,” Montgomery told reporters. “It was a good hockey game, it was playoff intensity, physicality to it. And I don’t think I’ve done a good enough job of teaching the details and game management that we need. And then we weren’t prepared to practice today. So those things coupled together – not ready to start practice on time, guys not knowing what we’re supposed to be doing. Again, I take responsibility for it. There’s got to be some responsibility on the players, too.”
“I hated the way we finished the game in Philly.” Bruins coach Jim Montgomery was not happy with his team in their loss this weekend, and also how they began practice on Monday pic.twitter.com/TckpIW5NB0
— NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSBoston) March 25, 2024
The Bruins are in the midst of their toughest road trip of the season. All six games, including the loss to the Flyers on Saturday, are matchups against opponents in a playoff spot or fighting for one. These teams all have something meaningful to play for. It’s a great test for the Bruins as they try to improve their own game ahead of the postseason.
“I don’t think our team is ready yet for playoffs,” Montgomery admitted. “We’ve got to continue to get tested and we’re going to get tested.”
The Bruins have several lineup decisions to make before Game 1 of the playoffs, specifically in the bottom-six forward group and the third defense pairing. Montgomery is clearly looking for players who will play with an aggressive mentality and be physical.
“Who are the guys who are going to…