NHL Update: Bruins Fire Montgomery

Less than two seasons after he guided Boston to a record setting 135-point season, the Bruins have fired coach Jim Montgomery.

My word.

Talk about the yin to the Penguins’ yang in terms of Mike Sullivan’s job security!

Speaking of, I wonder if this alters the thinking of FSG and GM/POHO Kyle Dubas, who’ve steadfastly insisted Sully’s their man despite tepid results the past two seasons and change.

I, for one, hope so.

At least in the beginning, the Bruins to a man loved playing for Montgomery, who earned the Jack Adams Award for his exemplary work. And even though the Bruins endured a crushing first-round exit in the 2023 playoffs and dipped a bit to a still-potent 109 points last season, they accomplished that feat in the wake of the dual retirements of impact centers Patrice Bergeron and David Krejcí, who have yet to be effectively replaced.

However, this season the Bruins stumbled out of the starting blocks much like their black-and-gold brethren. The latest disgrace, a 5-1 rout at the hands of Columbus on Monday night, apparently was the last straw. 

Could this sudden turn provide the Pens with a golden opportunity to make, IMHO, a much-needed coaching change?

The fact that Montgomery preaches a structured style makes him all the more appealing. Let’s face it, if there’s one thing our Pens desperately lack and need, it’s structure.

Stay tuned.