Pastrnak's Benching Sends Message to Bruins – Hockey Writers – Boston Bruins

The Boston Bruins haven't reached the heights many expected this season. This is especially true following the big-time signings of Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov in the offseason. That's why, despite the Bruins getting back-to-back wins over the Philadelphia Flyers and Seattle Kraken, head coach Jim Montgomery felt the need to send a message to his team in the third period of Sunday's game against the Kraken.

Despite going back-to-back games and coming away with wins both times this weekend, Montgomery held a key teaching moment when he sat out David Pastrnak for the entirety of the third period. At the time of benching, the Bruins were leading 2-0 against Seattle; this will be the final result of the game when all is said and done. Rather than taking Pastrnak out due to injury, however, the move was deemed a “coach's decision” that immediately created talk among fans, the media, and everyone in between.

Although Montgomery did not specify what led to this decision and stated that he would not comment further, it is possible that the play that inspired it happened around the 19:11 mark of the second quarter. With 49 seconds left in the middle frame and the Bruins looking to get into the offensive zone with about a minute left on their power play—with the Bruins outscoring the Kraken 29-7, Pastrnak attempted a deke that circled Kraken forward Yanni Gourde. in profit. In hindsight, this may not seem like a reason to bench a player, especially one as talented and important as Pastrnak, for the rest of the season. However, if you watch this game, it is clear that Pastrnak had better options that could have reduced the risk of this game that led to the Kraken split.

If Gourde had scored at the juncture of the game—short-handed with less than a minute left to bring the score to within one, the entire momentum would have changed. While it's unclear if this is the issue, or at least, the only issue leading to Pastrnak's benching, this was likely Montgomery's way of emphasizing that aggressive play must still be responsible and counted—especially when defending a lead. Playing aggressively is a good thing if needed, but ideally, these risks are calculated. Especially when the team is in the lead and looking to close time in the game they were in control of.

It may seem extreme, especially given how they played against the Flyers and Kraken in back-to-back games, but that would also be ignoring how the team has played throughout the season so far. If you look at the Bruins' schedule from October 14 to October 31, the team will play eight games, going 2-5-1, including losing five of six games, including two blowout losses to the Nashville Predators. , the Flyers, and an 8-2 drubbing of the Carolina Hurricanes.

Montgomery knows how good this Bruins team can be when everyone is on the same page and playing responsibly. It's hard to manage world-class athletes and send a message without ruffling feathers, and sometimes, ruffling feathers is exactly what's needed to get the point across.

Related: Bruins Game Notes: Second Straight Shutout Leads to Key Victory over Kraken

To Pastrnak's credit, he didn't seem troubled by the decision. He knows the mistakes he may have made in the game and is ready to move on

“Honestly, I have to be better,” Pastrnak told reporters Monday. “I commit (to be) better. But at the same time, I'm moving forward and focusing on the game (Tuesday). Yesterday was yesterday. I never looked back. I came in today and worked on my game.”

Pastrnak will also admit the advantage, noting that he knows it was a bad game.

“That was a bad profit,” Pastrnak admitted. “I am responsible for it, I think accountability is the word. You know, I want to move on. I don't want to be a distraction to the group. The boys know how I feel about them here, and it was a bad game. I take responsibility and move forward.”

Some of Pastrnak's teammates will also comment on the bench, and Pastrnak's importance to the club.

Bruins Players Discuss Benching Pastrnak

“He's one of the most important players on our team,” Charlie McAvoy said of Pastrnak. “He is the assistant captain here. He is very important to this team. The important thing is that we get two points. I know how he prepares and the success he wants to have and how much of a competitor he is. Toronto, we can shift focus. The plan is this, this and this. There is no time to wander.”

McAvoy wasn't the only one who expressed his thoughts on the situation when he was told by the media.

“I mean, do we want our best players playing? Yes,” said Charlie Coyle. “I don't know how much that is. I don't know what was going on, and sometimes you're along with the game, you're just ready to see who you're going with next and there's really no time to think. No matter what the coach says and what his decisions are, you just have to play, there's a hockey game to be played. But, Pasta, he was not silent. He brought strength. He was talking. He was into it. That's the sign of a good partner right there. And that's why he's wearing a book. That is why he is one of our captains, our leaders. There is a lot to be said for that.”

This situation could have caused negative ripples for the Bruins. Instead, Montgomery seems happy with the way his players—especially the leaders, handled themselves when faced with adversity.

“I've said this from the beginning, I've said it many times, I'm lucky to work with the leaders I'm going to work with,” said Montgomery, who recently made headlines in an interview with Brad Marchand. the bench. “I am very lucky. In some places you see coaches that, you know, the big problem, [but] I am lucky with the accountability that exists in this culture and the leaders I deal with because that allows me to be accountable to everyone.”

The Bruins are capable of being one of the best teams in the NHL this season, but accountability is key. Montgomery made sure everyone on the team knew that the logo on the front of the jersey was more important than the name on the back, and he made it clear that his best players were expected to play like his best players.

The Bruins will look to continue their winning ways when they take on the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday.