JUST IN: Brad Marchand defends Jim Montgomery after coach’s outburst against him on bench

Bruins coach Jim Montgomery faced significant criticism over the weekend after cameras captured him admonishing team captain Brad Marchand on the bench.This incident occurred during the third period of Saturday’s 2-1 overtime loss to the Utah Hockey Club, where Marchand made a crucial turnover in the offensive zone while being pressured by two Utah players.

Utah’s goal was ultimately disallowed after an offside review, but Marchand’s mistake still elicited a heated reaction from his head coach on the bench.Immediately after Utah scored, Montgomery confronted Marchand about the error, delivering a forceful reprimand and giving him a slight shove on the shoulder to emphasize his point.

The goal ended up being overturned for offsides, but Jim Montgomery RIPPED into Brad Marchand for a turnover that started the who play Montgomery’s outburst toward his captain garnered considerable attention in the days following, especially as Boston began the season with a 3-3-1 record. However, during a Thursday morning interview, Marchand expressed his support for his coach.

“People are very sensitive these days,” Marchand commented. “It’s unfortunate how coaches are scrutinized over things like that. There’s a lack of accountability nowadays because people can’t handle the heat. If you make a mistake like that, you deserve to hear about it. I’m glad he addressed it. If he hadn’t, we would have much bigger issues. It’s disappointing that this is what we’re discussing, but that’s just how things are today. Brad Marchand on the reaction of Montgomery ripping into him:

“It’s unfortunate how coaches are scrutinized over things like that. There’s a lack of unaccountability nowadays because people can’t handle the heat. You make a mistake like that, you deserve to hear about it.”

Montgomery also addressed his exchange with Marchand on Thursday, emphasizing that there’s no need for any further discussions between them moving forward.Between Marshy and me, there doesn’t need to be a conversation,” Montgomery stated. “Both of us are emotional people. I’m not thrilled about how it unfolded, but I don’t dwell on it, and neither does he. He’s a professional and a great player who contributes immensely to our team, and he holds himself to high standards. So as far as we’re concerned, that’s in the past.”

Montgomery highlighted Marchand’s experience and ability to accept direct criticism as key reasons for his candid response during Saturday’s game. The Boston coach has not hesitated to challenge several of his star players over the past year.Montgomery emphasized the need for David Pastrnak to “step up” before Game 7 of the team’s first-round series against the Maple Leafs in May.

 

Pastrnak delivered, scoring the series-winning goal in overtime against Toronto, while Marchand, who recorded zero goals and four assists in the series, will aim to find his rhythm against the Dallas Stars on Thursday night.

Although Montgomery acknowledged that Marchand is a player who can handle pressure on the bench during tough moments, the 36-year-old forward insisted that every player in Boston’s locker room should be held to the same standard. There’s an accountability that needs to be upheld in this room, and nobody is exempt from that,” Marchand stated. “I made a really bad mistake at a critical moment in the game, and that’s something that’s unacceptable. I expected to hear about it, not just from him but from several guys on the bench too.

“I should be held accountable in that situation. I’m glad he did.”