Management Montgomery fired - Sacco named interim coach Sacco and Sweeney Address Media

[BruinDust]

The Bruins, the Garden, and surrounding real estate development, including the $65 charge to park at Bruins-Celts game,

$65 just to park for the game? Sweet merciful.

 

[Ladyfan]

In Marchand's defense it was easier for previous captains to lead when they had other HOF leaders and even respected veterans in the room with them. To me it seems like Marchand is alone too many nights.

IMO Pasta is a leader also but agree ...beside these two I am trying to think who else is a leader. I will be watching from now on. There is NO doubt that there are fewer leaders on the team than most years.

Charlie's leadership is definitely more off ice IMO. He's 26 and still growing into the roll especially in the post Chara-Bergeron-Krejci era.

maybe. I will be watching.

 

[Ladyfan]

The on ice product shows a group of disjointed players totally unwilling to buy into anything. The guys at the top (coaches, leaders) typically are responsible for that. It's been an era since we've seen a Bruins team run around like this with their heads cut off.

As I have said....I believe Brad (and Pasta) are good leaders, but the leadership falls off after that. There are usually more veterans who also lead on the team.

$65 just to park for the game? Sweet merciful.

Many STH don't park at the Garden.

The on ice product shows a group of disjointed players totally unwilling to buy into anything. The guys at the top (coaches, leaders) typically are responsible for that. It's been an era since we've seen a Bruins team run around like this with their heads cut off.

As I have said there are far fewer leaders on the team than there have been in the past. IMO Brad and Pasta are good but after that ???

 

[BruinDust]

Maybe it is silly, but I will never say any bad things about Cam. I have seen other things also to totally convince me he is no asshole.

Loves me some Cam Neely as a player. He never struck me as an a-hole or bad person, actually quite he opposite (even though I've never met the man). I'd imagine in his personal life he'd give you the shirt off his back.

His biggest flaw is he's too emotionally invested in this franchise and his emotions get the best of him in his decision making. He's like a Bruin-super fan turned Team President. When someone in his position should be taking a more patient and bigger picture approach with more of long-term view. A calm voice of reason. That's not Cam Neely.

 

[Ladyfan]

People need to move on from trying to compare Marchand and the current leadership to those of the past, specifically Chara and Bergeron.

They are carrying on the culture they built but in different styles. Marchand is a damn good captain. I think Pasta has really grown into his roll especially on ice. McAvoy is only 26 and is growing into his roll but based on what we've seen in behind the B and written, he's more of a behind the scenes guy.

I'm not worried about the leadership.

Same but we need more than 2 leaders.

 

[the negotiator]

From where we sit, I think Brad is a decent captain. Pasta has developed into a leader also. I like Mac but do not see him as a leader.

IMO, I think there are fewer leaders on this team than the Bs have previously had. I am going to watch more closely Thursday.

I agree....we were spoiled with just how many leaders the previous teams had- of course Chara and Bergy, and then add Ferrence....Thornton...Lucic...Krej...Kelly...Backes....Foligno....and the list goes on

Many it's a different day and different game with a different type of leadership, but what I don't see is the fire, emotion, run-through-the-wall type of leadership the Bs had in the past. How I long for the days when if you took a cheap-shot at one B you had to answer to the whole team

 

[Yeti34]

Same but we need more than 2 leaders.

Where’s Coyle with as little as he brings offensively this year I would at least expect him to be a good leader.

Sacco and his atrocious PP for the foreseeable future. They do the same thing every time and have become predictable.

 

[shelbysdad]

Going to be interesting.
My thoughts....
Go with pasta Lindholm 63
Give merkulov a real chance, he is showing skills , looks good with 11,13
73 back to PP 1
Stop juggling lines
Play sway 2 outta 3 minimum

Sacco needs to say ok best players, it's time for you to be our best players

Set a tone of consistency from players and coach

 

[Ladyfan]

Where’s Coyle with as little as he brings offensively this year I would at least expect him to be a good leader.

Sacco and his atrocious PP for the foreseeable future. They do the same thing every time and have become predictable.

For my own interest I will be closely watching leadership on the Bs.

 

[Mr. Make-Believe]

Too much of the "should have kept Cassidy" theme gaining traction.

He was coaching in fear towards the end.
Afraid to change.
Afraid to call time out.
Afraid to defend the players against game management penalties.
Afraid to show emotion.
Afraid of his own image by rotating the player he threw under the bus on a nightly basis.
Afraid to allow his players be tough.

Issue is, in hindsight, is Sweeney went far too extreme in the other direction. He should have found a coach in the middle of the two.

It's much simpler in both cases. Hell in all three if you include Julien. Actually surprised that those who still hate that they fired Cassidy aren't singing the same song about Claude.

All three had success at the job. All three had won the Jack Adams. All three faced some adversity and when asked "what are you gonna do about it", the answer wasn't good enough.

Julien actually dramatically changed his approach in the year he was let go, but the results didn't follow him. Cassidy came in and the team saw instant results (he was the right hire)... But when the time came for him to answer the question, he stayed the course and it was felt that it wasnt enough to get then where they wanted to go.

Montgomery took over and saw instant results (he was the right hire). But two years later we're seeing a disconnect between how the roster is built and his coaching style and tasked with pulling out of the nosedive, his answer appears to be to turn on the throttle.

In all three instances, you have good head coaches... And in all three you have the right move to let them go. And they (so far) are a blazing 2/2 on who they've chosen as replacements.

Yeah I'm disappointed that Montgomery's tenure didn't last longer. But the play I'm really questioning this time around, is if Sacco shows any indication that they can go 3/3. Their intern replacement feels like the f***-up. I hope I'm wrong.

 

[sarge88]

And btw, I disagree with those who say Neely and Sweeney didn't win us anything.

I LOVE that for so many damn years, any Bruins game I turned on was winnable. That was such a treat. They were so fun to watch.

We really feel it when that's gone. Watching now can be downright dreadful. And then one day, they'll be good again.

I agree with this entirely. Don't get me wrong --- I feel they left money on the table in 2013 and especially 2019 --- but for a solid, what? 8-9 years, just about every single game they played was winnable, relevant and important.

We can quibble all day about who is responsible for what's happened thus far this season and the seemingly unexciting future of the next couple of years at least, but I'd venture to guess that about 70-75% of the teams in the NHL would trade what the B's did for the last decade with what they did.

And, while there are no guarantees in sports, I'm confident they will be relevant and successful again in the near future.

Given that, if it were up to me, I'd pursue a rebuild, but I don't have confidence in Sweeney's ability to do it.

Yes, his teams have been successful, but I just think a new approach/set of eyes is needed because I don't think you can really say that Monty's approach got stale, while at the same time not acknowledging that the same can be said about the GM.

With that being said --- I don't think this season is a lost cause just yet. I'm not saying they're winning a cup, but I also don't see them falling into lottery pick territory. Which may be the worst part of this.

 

[The Murph]

Unfortunate they started out so bad, and with 20 games in, the team couldn't pull it together in time for him to keep his job. Seems like a good coach and good guy. Pretty sure he'll land on his feet.

Saying that, he had to go, because the bottom line is, things are a mess. Monty's situation wasn't ideal going into the season with 1 year left on his deal, and with a slow start, it created something in the air.

This seemed to make Monty uneasy, had him doing unusual desperate moves, and more animated than ever before. This was not the Monty the team was use to being around. He knew it, the players knew it, the media knew it, and the fans knew it, as it snowballed as the days went by. Hard to blame the guy based on the whole situation, but this could no longer continue.

Would say it's a good guess to believe, management had the thought Monty may not be their guy before the season even started, for right or wrong.

As far as management goes, Sweeney and Neely have to be up against it now, especially Sweeney. If this team doesn't show something at any point, which would mean not sniffing the playoffs, you'd have to think Sweeney is done.

Hopefully this team can put this current mess behind them and show they're a good team again.

 

[KillerMillerTime]

I'm with you on this one. I read somewhere that certain players complained to the GM about Butch and then he was gone. I guess I'm bitter about that firing and was never a Monty fan. If this was another "don't like the coach" moment for the players, then I expect a major turnaround. We'll see.


There's no way Coyle or Zacha fetch a 1st round pick.

If Bertuzzi could its not unreasonable to think Zacha could, but I'm keeping both because they are absolutely better than they are playing.

 

[BB79]

With that being said --- I don't think this season is a lost cause just yet. I'm not saying they're winning a cup, but I also don't see them falling into lottery pick territory. Which may be the worst part of this.

I bet they'll get a wildcard then have to face Florida again. I'm not even going to watch the playoffs if that scenario plays out, unless they go sign some goons to run Panthers through the boards...which we know will never happen.

 

[sarge88]

I bet they'll get a wildcard then have to face Florida again. I'm not even going to watch the playoffs if that scenario plays out, unless they go sign some goons to run Panthers through the boards...which we know will never happen.

I've learned never to predict what's going to happen in April based on what's happening in the fall.

Wouldn't bet a dollar that they would/will beat Florida in the playoffs at the moment, of course.

But injuries happen, players improve, teams evolve, player have slumps....it's just too early.

 

[BB79]

I've learned never to predict what's going to happen in April based on what's happening in the fall.

Wouldn't bet a dollar that they would/will beat Florida in the playoffs at the moment, of course.

But injuries happen, players improve, teams evolve, player have slumps....it's just too early.

It's 100% hypothetical, of course. Just speaking out of frustration a bit, because that's just how things always seem to go for this team.

 

[Dennis Bonvie]

It's much simpler in both cases.



It's much simpler in both cases. Hell in all three if you include Julien. Actually surprised that those who still hate that they fired Cassidy aren't singing the same song about Claude.

All three had success at the job. All three had won the Jack Adams. All three faced some adversity and when asked "what are you gonna do about it", the answer wasn't good enough.

Julien actually dramatically changed his approach in the year he was let go, but the results didn't follow him. Cassidy came in and the team saw instant results (he was the right hire)... But when the time came for him to answer the question, he stayed the course and it was felt that it wasnt enough to get then where they wanted to go.

Montgomery took over and saw instant results (he was the right hire). But two years later we're seeing a disconnect between how the roster is built and his coaching style and tasked with pulling out of the nosedive, his answer appears to be to turn on the throttle.

In all three instances, you have good head coaches... And in all three you have the right move to let them go. And they (so far) are a blazing 2/2 on who they've chosen as replacements.

Yeah I'm disappointed that Montgomery's tenure didn't last longer. But the play I'm really questioning this time around, is if Sacco shows any indication that they can go 3/3. Their intern replacement feels like the f***-up. I hope I'm wrong.

Julien was here for 10 seasons. That's very rare for pro sport head coaches. He won a Cup. But the message gets stale, it was time for Claude. Cassidy was here for 6 seasons. That's above average too. He got to a game 7 of the finals. But issues came up and not many fans here were surprised (or disappointed) when he was canned. I get the feeling we will find out about Monty issues soon enough. But unlike Julien and Cassidy's teams, the current team is a total train wreck and firing the coach is really a desperation move.

 

[Mr. Make-Believe]

Julien was here for 10 seasons. That's very rare for pro sport head coaches. He won a Cup. But the message gets stale, it was time for Claude. Cassidy was here for 6 seasons. That's above average too. He got to a game 7 of the finals. But issues came up and not many fans here were surprised (or disappointed) when he was canned. I get the feeling we will find out about Monty issues soon enough. But unlike Julien and Cassidy's teams, the current team is a total train wreck and firing the coach is really a desperation move.

I disagree that the roster as constructed is a trainwreck. However is this ABSOLUTELY a desperation move. Hence the timing and not having a replacement option. But did they really have another option? Could they have gone through the season looking like THIS?

It sucks.

 

[Dennis Bonvie]

Agreed, we have had scoring issues for many years. We were blessed with 2 top 10 goalies for the three previous seasons that covered up our lack of scoring.

Just two seasons ago the Bruins scored 303 goals, 2nd in the league.

They haven't been in the bottom half of the league in scoring since Pasta was an 18-year-old rookie.

 

[Maine Fan]

Many say that Montgomery didn't select the players that cost him his job.... very true but it the reverse he didn't select the players that earned him his first year record as coach of the Bruins. I would suggest that he fell into his first year's record because the players were almost managing themselves. ...great players with chemistry. So maybe he was never a good coach? My opinion.

 

[BruinDust]

Julien was here for 10 seasons. That's very rare for pro sport head coaches. He won a Cup. But the message gets stale, it was time for Claude. Cassidy was here for 6 seasons. That's above average too. He got to a game 7 of the finals. But issues came up and not many fans here were surprised (or disappointed) when he was canned. I get the feeling we will find out about Monty issues soon enough. But unlike Julien and Cassidy's teams, the current team is a total train wreck and firing the coach is really a desperation move.

Really Julien should of been canned during the 2015-16 season. The game where Joonas Kempainen lead all forwards in ice-time should of been the end of it.

 

[LouJersey]

People need to move on from trying to compare Marchand and the current leadership to those of the past, specifically Chara and Bergeron.

They are carrying on the culture they built but in different styles. Marchand is a damn good captain. I think Pasta has really grown into his roll especially on ice. McAvoy is only 26 and is growing into his roll but based on what we've seen in behind the B and written, he's more of a behind the scenes guy.

I'm not worried about the leadership.

Can I ask why? They just quit on their coach. This is after going to management to get the last coach fired for being mean. Oh and between all that was a blown series while up 3-1 losing games 5 and 7 on home ice, while also leading in period three game 6 (twice) and game 7. Has not been a great three years for the leadership group of Marchand, McAvoy, Carlo, Pasta and whomever else fits into that group.

 

[jmon1313]

Many say that Montgomery didn't select the players that cost him his job.... very true but it the reverse he didn't select the players that earned him his first year record as coach of the Bruins. I would suggest that he fell into his first year's record because the players were almost managing themselves. ...great players with chemistry. So maybe he was never a good coach? My opinion.

That's my opinion as well.

He got exposed in the first round that year and should of been let go then.

No good coach blames the goalie coach for the bad decisions they make with who to start.

 

[LouJersey]

Julien was here for 10 seasons. That's very rare for pro sport head coaches. He won a Cup. But the message gets stale, it was time for Claude. Cassidy was here for 6 seasons. That's above average too. He got to a game 7 of the finals. But issues came up and not many fans here were surprised (or disappointed) when he was canned. I get the feeling we will find out about Monty issues soon enough. But unlike Julien and Cassidy's teams, the current team is a total train wreck and firing the coach is really a desperation move.

Agreed, I guarantee it actually, it's the Bruins way.

 

[Alicat]

Can I ask why? They just quit on their coach. This is after going to management to get the last coach fired for being mean. Oh and between all that was a blown series while up 3-1 losing games 5 and 7 on home ice, while also leading in period three game 6 (twice) and game 7. Has not been a great three years for the leadership group of Marchand, McAvoy, Carlo, Pasta and whomever else fits into that group.

I'm just not. For all we know the leadership could have been trying to get the others to listen to Monty. We aren't in the room and I've seen nothing that would make me question their character or comitment to the team and organization. Leadership can only do so much before the dam breaks.