quietbruinfan
Salt and light
He is a tank commander interim hire, but something had to be done. Nothing will change until Neely is gone though.
Management Montgomery fired - Sacco named interim coach
- Thread starter Gee Wally
- Start date
Pia8988
Registered User
- May 26, 2014
- 14,671
- 9,246
Didn't want to play for noted big meanie Bruce Cassidy.
Didn't want to play for Nice guy Jimmy.
Who the do these guys want to play for?
Bye Jim. Started so well, ended so miserably. Clearly a very good offensive coach when given the right tools to work with, seems to be generally well-liked and personable. But he is lacking in coaching defense, and while I know special teams are not his direct responsibility, he has the ultimate oversight and clearly there's an issue there too. PK was previously good, to be fair, PP has struggled for a lot of his time here after the miracle first season. This year he just couldn't seem to get to grips with this roster and I don't think he is the right guy to coach a team looking to win tight, gritty 2-1 games. Still don't think he was the biggest reason for their struggles, but he's a contributor and he couldn't find any answers. His line blender obsession was infuriating. Spent the last week or two just waiting to be fired looking like a deflated balloon.
Sacco is not the answer. That much I know. It's the easy option, although to be fair it could well be that none of the other suitably credentialed candidates are interested. End of the day, either the players themselves are going to sort things out enough to become at least a vaguely competent team, or they're not. A different coach can assist that process, but it's the guys on the ice who have to start executing like we know many of them are capable of rather than the gross nonsense we've seen far too much of in the last 2 months.
Good luck to Monty in his future career. No hard feelings. At the very least he has the ability to be a capable assistant coach somewhere. Perhaps he falls back into a role like that in the first instance then has another crack at the top job some time down the road.
For the Bruins, it's turn or burn time.
Sacco is not the answer. That much I know. It's the easy option, although to be fair it could well be that none of the other suitably credentialed candidates are interested. End of the day, either the players themselves are going to sort things out enough to become at least a vaguely competent team, or they're not. A different coach can assist that process, but it's the guys on the ice who have to start executing like we know many of them are capable of rather than the gross nonsense we've seen far too much of in the last 2 months.
Good luck to Monty in his future career. No hard feelings. At the very least he has the ability to be a capable assistant coach somewhere. Perhaps he falls back into a role like that in the first instance then has another crack at the top job some time down the road.
For the Bruins, it's turn or burn time.
Chevalier du Clavier
Écrivain de ferrage
- Jul 20, 2005
- 4,652
- 3,622
I was wrong about Scoops. I'll eat crow. Pass the ketchup.
BOSTON – Boston Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney announced today, November 19, that the team has relieved Jim Montgomery of his duties as Head Coach. Associate Coach Joe Sacco will assume interim head coaching duties. Montgomery served as Head Coach of the team since July 1, 2022.
The Bruins will hold a full team practice on Wednesday, November 20 at 11 a.m. at Warrior Ice Arena. Sweeney, Sacco and select players will be available to media following practice. Media should plan to arrive no later than 11:15 a.m.
Statement from General Manager Don Sweeney
“Today, I made a very difficult decision with regards to a coaching change. Jim Montgomery is a very good NHL coach and an even better person. He has made a positive impact throughout the Bruins organization, and I am both grateful and appreciative of the opportunity to work with him and learn from him. Jim’s accomplishments as the Bruins head coach include a record-breaking and historic season, and I want to thank his entire family and wish him, Emily, J.P., Colin, Ava and Olivia all the success and happiness with their next opportunity. Our team’s inconsistency and performance in the first 20 games of the 2024-25 season has been concerning and below how the Bruins want to reward our fans. I believe Joe Sacco has the coaching experience to bring the players and the team back to focusing on the consistent effort the NHL requires to have success. We will continue to work to make the necessary adjustments to meet the standard and performance our supportive fans expect.”
Statement from President Cam Neely
“On behalf of the Boston Bruins, we thank Jim Montgomery for his accomplishments and impact on our organization. Jim’s open and honest communication with players, staff and management, as well as the positive attitude that he brought to the rink every day, helped lead our franchise to several on-ice accolades, including a historic 65-win season in 2022-23. We wish Jim and his family the best moving forward both personally and professionally. I’m supportive of Don’s decision to address our current play and performance. Joe Sacco has a wealth of experience and knowledge of our roster and can help lead our team in the right direction. He has a strong understanding of our standards and expectations, and I trust he will do all he can to accomplish our organization’s goals this season.”
Biography for Interim Head Coach Joe Sacco
Sacco is in his 11th season behind the Bruins bench, where he most recently served as Associate Coach. He previously held the role of Assistant Coach from 2014-24.
Before joining the Bruins organization, Sacco served as an Assistant Coach for the Buffalo Sabres in 2013-14, and as Head Coach for the Colorado Avalanche from 2009-13, where he compiled an overall record of 130-134-40. In 2010, he was named a finalist for the Jack Adams Award, given annually to the coach who has contributed the most to his team's success, after leading the Avalanche to a 43-30-9 record in his first season at the helm. Sacco also previously held several coaching positions in the American Hockey League (AHL) from 2004-09, with the Lake Erie Monsters, Albany River Rats and Lowell Lock Monsters.
The Melrose, Massachusetts native was a fourth-round NHL draft pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs out of Boston University. In 738 career NHL games with Philadelphia, Washington, N.Y. Islanders, Anaheim and Toronto, the forward recorded 94 goals and 119 assists for 213 points over 13 NHL season.
The Bruins will hold a full team practice on Wednesday, November 20 at 11 a.m. at Warrior Ice Arena. Sweeney, Sacco and select players will be available to media following practice. Media should plan to arrive no later than 11:15 a.m.
Statement from General Manager Don Sweeney
“Today, I made a very difficult decision with regards to a coaching change. Jim Montgomery is a very good NHL coach and an even better person. He has made a positive impact throughout the Bruins organization, and I am both grateful and appreciative of the opportunity to work with him and learn from him. Jim’s accomplishments as the Bruins head coach include a record-breaking and historic season, and I want to thank his entire family and wish him, Emily, J.P., Colin, Ava and Olivia all the success and happiness with their next opportunity. Our team’s inconsistency and performance in the first 20 games of the 2024-25 season has been concerning and below how the Bruins want to reward our fans. I believe Joe Sacco has the coaching experience to bring the players and the team back to focusing on the consistent effort the NHL requires to have success. We will continue to work to make the necessary adjustments to meet the standard and performance our supportive fans expect.”
Statement from President Cam Neely
“On behalf of the Boston Bruins, we thank Jim Montgomery for his accomplishments and impact on our organization. Jim’s open and honest communication with players, staff and management, as well as the positive attitude that he brought to the rink every day, helped lead our franchise to several on-ice accolades, including a historic 65-win season in 2022-23. We wish Jim and his family the best moving forward both personally and professionally. I’m supportive of Don’s decision to address our current play and performance. Joe Sacco has a wealth of experience and knowledge of our roster and can help lead our team in the right direction. He has a strong understanding of our standards and expectations, and I trust he will do all he can to accomplish our organization’s goals this season.”
Biography for Interim Head Coach Joe Sacco
Sacco is in his 11th season behind the Bruins bench, where he most recently served as Associate Coach. He previously held the role of Assistant Coach from 2014-24.
Before joining the Bruins organization, Sacco served as an Assistant Coach for the Buffalo Sabres in 2013-14, and as Head Coach for the Colorado Avalanche from 2009-13, where he compiled an overall record of 130-134-40. In 2010, he was named a finalist for the Jack Adams Award, given annually to the coach who has contributed the most to his team's success, after leading the Avalanche to a 43-30-9 record in his first season at the helm. Sacco also previously held several coaching positions in the American Hockey League (AHL) from 2004-09, with the Lake Erie Monsters, Albany River Rats and Lowell Lock Monsters.
The Melrose, Massachusetts native was a fourth-round NHL draft pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs out of Boston University. In 738 career NHL games with Philadelphia, Washington, N.Y. Islanders, Anaheim and Toronto, the forward recorded 94 goals and 119 assists for 213 points over 13 NHL season.
Hopefully Sacco finds someone competent to replace himself as the PP coach. I don't think Sacco is the answer but Monty 100% had to go, should be interesting unlike all of the previous Bruins games.
PlayMakers
Registered User
Felger killing Swayman for the Bruins struggles. "I'd trade Swayman right now. The problem is nobody else wants that contract."
He's citing 2 different articles saying Swayman has lost friends in the room, citing Monty who said he won't have many friends left if he doesn't turn things around (implying he's lost the respect of his teammates) and citing Swayman himself who last night said the biggest thing he lost in his hold out was the guys in the room.
Doesn't think it's about the money, but the way he handled it, his attitude and his priorities.
Fwiw.
He's citing 2 different articles saying Swayman has lost friends in the room, citing Monty who said he won't have many friends left if he doesn't turn things around (implying he's lost the respect of his teammates) and citing Swayman himself who last night said the biggest thing he lost in his hold out was the guys in the room.
Doesn't think it's about the money, but the way he handled it, his attitude and his priorities.
Fwiw.
HuskyBruinPride
Registered User
- Aug 1, 2011
- 2,745
- 1,612
Sacco? Vomittttttttttt
Sacco? Vomittttttttttt
Sacco? Vomittttttttttt
DaStinger
Permanent Interim
Now do Sweeney and Cam and we'll be getting somewhere.
EverettMike
FIRE DON SWEENEY INTO THE SUN
Which one of you goons who ripped him is going to draft the letter of apology to Rich Keefe?
VanIsle
Registered User
They had to do something and the HC is always the one who is the first to be let go.
Hopefully they can string together some wins as Sacco has never finished worse then 5th in the division.
www.hockey-reference.com
Hopefully they can string together some wins as Sacco has never finished worse then 5th in the division.
Joe Sacco Coaching Record, Awards and Honors | Hockey-Reference.com
Check out the Joe Sacco coaching record, awards, honors and more on Hockey-Reference.com
www.hockey-reference.com
- Apr 30, 2010
- 25,906
- 16,861
I’m really starting to dislike this group of players.
How many coaches do they need to burn through?
the coach, whoever it is, is a scapegoat for a GM and President way past their expiration dates and a group of guys who, apparently, can’t be professional enough to just play the freaking game.
How many coaches do they need to burn through?
the coach, whoever it is, is a scapegoat for a GM and President way past their expiration dates and a group of guys who, apparently, can’t be professional enough to just play the freaking game.
PlayMakers
Registered User
I don't disagree, but I wonder if it's fair to paint 'the players' with the same brush.
For example, I was under the impression that Marchand was against letting Bruce go. He liked his approach and felt it was necessary to be hard on the guys. Conversely, DeBrusk seemed to have issues with Cassidy's tough love approach and is no longer here.
How many of the guys who couldn't handle Bruce's tough love are still here?
bobber
Registered User
Very true. The on ice team we are watching is Don Sweeny's team no one else's. Take it or leave it but that's where the finger should be pointed.
ON3M4N
Ignores/60 = Elite
He hurt people's feelings. It's not like he's accomplished since he left. He only got 1 cup in his 2 seasons with VGK.
Bruins fire Jim Montgomery after poor start; Joe Sacco takes over as interim coach - The Boston Globe
Montgomery departs with an overall record of 120-41-23, but the Bruins were only 8-9-3 this season.
www.bostonglobe.com
The Bruins are firing head coach Jim Montgomery amid a sluggish start to the season, the team announced Tuesday. Associate coach Joe Sacco will take over on an interim basis.
Montgomery got through only 20 games in his third season in Boston, with the Bruins often misfiring during an 8-9-3 start. The Bruins rank 31st in the NHL in goals scored per game, 28th in goals allowed per game, and dead last in power-play efficiency — underlying numbers that suggest their performance is even worse than their record.
“Jim Montgomery is a very good NHL coach and an even better person,” said Bruins general manager Don Sweeney in a statement. “He has made a positive impact throughout the Bruins organization, and I am both grateful and appreciative of the opportunity to work with him and learn from him.
“Our team’s inconsistency and performance in the first 20 games of the 2024-25 season has been concerning and below how the Bruins want to reward our fans.
“I believe Joe Sacco has the coaching experience to bring the players and the team back to focusing on the consistent effort the NHL requires to have success. We will continue to work to make the necessary adjustments to meet the standard and performance our supportive fans expect.”
Montgomery took over in 2022 after the firing of Bruce Cassidy and got off to a flying start, leading the Bruins to an NHL-record 65 wins in the 2022-23 season and earning the Jack Adams Award as the league’s best coach. But that historic performance was the setup for an immense letdown, as the Bruins let a 3-1 series lead slip in a first-round elimination at the hands of the Florida Panthers.
Montgomery’s second season was a bit of a comedown following the retirements of cornerstone players Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci, with the Bruins posting a 47-20-15 record that was good for second in the Atlantic Division and fourth in the Eastern Conference.
But the Bruins again were sent packing by Florida in the playoffs, this time in the second round, as they scored just seven goals over the final five games of the series.
Expectations remained high for 2024-25, but the team has fallen significantly short. The Bruins have a minus-21 goal differential that places them among the league’s worst teams, and have lost by four goals or more on five occasions through 20 games.
Montgomery had a habit of making headlines as he tried to spark his struggling team, including multiple bench arguments with captain Brad Marchand, a surprise benching of star scorer David Pastrnak, and a power-play demotion for stalwart defenseman Charlie McAvoy.
Montgomery departs Causeway Street with an overall record of 120-41-23, and an overall points percentage of .715, the third-highest mark in franchise history behind Tom Johnson (.738, 1971-73) and Bep Guidolin (.736, 1973-74).
Sheppy
Registered User
Wish Monty the best. He seemed like a great dude, but I don’t think he was the guy the Bruins needed.
They need a guy who’s a little more… rigid?
They need a guy who’s a little more… rigid?
The don godfather
Registered User
Well hopefully the last minute goals stop now. Let's go sacco!
veganbruin
Registered User
Monty is a great guy and a great coach but something needed to happen. Next up, trade Swayman!
EverettMike
FIRE DON SWEENEY INTO THE SUN
Also apparently it's Jeremy Swayman's fault Pastrnak doesn't show up for half the games.
DaStinger
Permanent Interim
- Apr 30, 2010
- 25,906
- 16,861
They can both go shit in a hat at this point
