“Not where they need to be” GM Don Sweeney issues STERN warning to Bruins players following firing of coach Jim Montgomery

Boston Bruins GM Don Sweeney has issued a stern warning to the players for their performances after the firing of Jim Montgomery.

“Not where they need to be” GM Don Sweeney issues STERN warning to Bruins players following firing of coach Jim Montgomery

Don Sweeney (L) and Jim Montgomery (R) [image via The Boston Globe]

The 5-1 loss of the Boston Bruins against the Columbus Blue Jackets proved too much for Jim Montgomery. A few hours later, the 55-year-old was fired from his position. General Manager Don Sweeney has now issued a stern warning to the players.

The Bruins have not enjoyed a good start to the 2024-25 season. In the first 20 games, they are left with an 8-9-3 record while losing their last three games. This run of form led to the Bruins’ management eventually reliving Montgomery off his duties despite having an impressive 120-41-23 record with the team.

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During the press conference on Wednesday, Sweeney claimed he had the utmost respect for Montgomery. In the statement released after his firing, the Bruins GM had labeled this as a “very difficult” decision.

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The 58-year-old mentioned that the team was in an extension talks with Montgomery. However, they were unable to reach a number for this deal to process.

Sweeney later went on to issue a warning to the players and hinted that there could be more changes if the situation does not improve soon.

I had to make a decision and moving forward, that rests with me now. From a personnel standpoint and the players themselves, they have to understand that they’re not where they need to be and we’re either going to get back there or there’ll be continued changes across the board.

Don Sweeney said in the press conference

The Bruins will welcome the Utah Hockey Club on Thursday night with Joe Sacco being the interim coach for now. After that, the team will travel to Detroit to take on the Detroit Red Wings.

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David Pastrnak reacts to Jim Montgomery’s firing

Since Jim Montgomery’s firing by Don Sweeney and the Boston Bruins management, coaches Bruce Cassidy and Craig Berube united in support of him. Meanwhile, forward David Pastrnak claimed it was a tough day for them.

Jim Montgomery and David Pastrnak
Jim Montgomery (L) and David Pastrnak (R) [Image via The Boston Globe/NHLPA]

The 28-year-old star also added that the team was feeling a bit of “guilt” for their part in his firing. Despite not always seeing eye-to-eye with each other, Pastrnak called Montgomery an “amazing human being“.

Obviously, sad, and for us as players, it’s a tough day. You obviously feel a big part of guilt… At the end of the day, us players are the ones performing out there, and we weren’t getting it done. And because we weren’t getting the job done, we lost a great coach and an amazing human being. So, it’s tough.

David Pastrnak told the press
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Pastrnak is currently the leading scorer of the team with 8 goals and 9 assists (17 points) in 20 games. He and his teammates will need a much better showing than this if they are to turn their fortunes around this season.