BREAKING: Struggling Bruins finding themselves in unfamiliar territory under Jim Montgomery As Bruins’ effort, attitude slide continues

Under Jim Montgomery, the Bruins have occasionally hit rough patches—but never this early in the season, while leaves are still on the trees. In their record-breaking 2022-23 season, Boston stormed out with a 17-2-0 record heading into Thanksgiving week. The following year, despite a retooled roster with numerous budget signings, they still managed a 14-1-3 start over a similar stretch.

Expectations soared this year, especially after Boston appeared to strengthen its roster by signing top offseason targets like Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov. However, those high hopes have yet to yield results. Eight games in, Boston holds a modest 3-4-1 record, with persistent errors and breakdowns in execution hindering a team that’s struggled to find its footing early in the season.

Boston’s last two seasons ended in similar disappointment, with playoff exits at the hands of the Panthers. Notably, the 2022-23 Panthers were 16-17-4 by late December, but they clawed their way into the playoffs and went on a Stanley Cup run. Similarly, Connor McDavid’s Oilers started last season at 5-12-1 in mid-November before rebounding to make a deep playoff push.

However, the 2023-24 Bruins don’t have a McDavid-caliber player to steer them back on course. If Don Sweeney and the current roster want to turn things around, they’ll need to break the cycle of losing hockey that’s crept into their recent performances. Despite Coach Montgomery’s Thursday emphasis on puck control and discipline, the Bruins struggled to implement it on the ice that evening.

Though Boston and Dallas were tied 1-1 after the first period, the Bruins gave up a staggering 13 turnovers in those 20 minutes, compared to just two by Dallas. Following a penalty-laden loss in Nashville on Tuesday, Boston found themselves back in the penalty box five more times against Dallas, leading to three power-play goals for the Stars.

With Boston’s 5-on-5 scoring struggles continuing, overcoming a substantial deficit was nearly out of reach. Our attitudes need to go in a better, healthier direction,” Montgomery emphasized. “They’re not focused on the moment; they’re focused on results. When that happens, you’re more likely to take penalties out of frustration and commit turnovers because you’re not putting in the work for offensive opportunities.

Bruins coach Jim Montgomery emphasized that impatience for immediate results is undercutting the team’s focus and effort, which is leading to costly turnovers and penalties. As Boston gears up to face the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday, there’s a clear need to regain momentum quickly to halt their recent slide.

To address these challenges, the Bruins may consider roster adjustments, potentially creating cap space to bring in veteran forward Tyler Johnson or calling up Fabian Lysell from Providence. Lysell, a young and promising playmaker, could infuse energy into the lineup, while Johnson’s experience could add stability as Boston looks to get back to their disciplined, hard-working brand of hockey.

Coach Jim Montgomery highlighted how the Bruins’ current mindset—seeking immediate results without putting in the foundational work—has led to a series of struggles marked by turnovers and penalties. Ahead of their Saturday showdown with the Maple Leafs, the Bruins face mounting pressure to regain their form.

Roster adjustments may be on the horizon to help spark change, whether by creating cap space to sign a veteran like Tyler Johnson or by promoting promising talent Fabian Lysell. However, unless Boston’s core players curb their tendencies for penalties and increase offensive quality by generating high-danger chances, this rough patch could extend into winter, threatening the team’s season trajectory.

Brad Marchand emphasized that the Bruins’ recent struggles stem not from a lack of effort, but rather from lapses in respect for the game’s finer details and consistency. “A lot of the mistakes that we’re making and the reasons that we feel we’re losing is because of our lack of respect for the game and consistency and details,” Marchand said.

He’s confident that these issues can be addressed and corrected, unlike more severe problems such as low effort or players not caring. Marchand reassured fans, adding, “That’s not what we have… We’ll be alright.”