The Boston Bruins fired head coach Jim Montgomery, the team announced on Tuesday.
On an interim basis, associate coach Joe Sacco will take over for Montgomery on the Boston bench.
Jim Montgomery fired
Montgomery was in the final year of a three-year contract with Boston, which he signed in June 2022 to replace Bruce Cassidy. But, with the Bruins at 8-9-3 on the season, general manager Don Sweeney and president Cam Neely decided it was time for a fresh voice to lead the team.
“Today, I made an extremely difficult decision regarding a coaching change. Jim Montgomery is an excellent NHL coach and even better person. He has had a tremendous impact across the Bruins organization, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work with and learn from him,” Sweeney said in a statement.
Boston had gotten out to hot starts in the previous two seasons under Montgomery. The Bruins were 17-2-0 to begin his first season as head coach, and then started last season with an 11-1-1 record.
The Bruins have dropped six games by three goals or more, including a 5-1 defeat to the Blue Jackets on Monday.
Jack Adams Award winner
Montgomery’s career in Boston got off to a strong start, as the Bruins had a historic season in his first year on the bench. Boston went 65-12-5 during the 2022-23 regular season, breaking NHL records for most wins and points (132).
Following that record-breaking season, Boston won the Presidents’ Trophy, and Montgomery received the Jack Adams Award as the NHL’s greatest coach.
However, Boston was eliminated from the NHL Playoffs in the first round by the Florida Panthers, so there was no run to the Stanley Cup. The Bruins led the series 3-1 but then imploded, losing the next three games, including Game 7 at TD Garden, 4-3 in overtime.
Jim Montgomery’s playoff struggles
The Bruins recovered well from their playoff defeat, going 47-20-15 during the 2023-24 regular season. They won their first-round playoff series against the Toronto Maple Leafs, despite nearly losing a 3-1 series lead. The Bruins lost Games 5 and 6, but survived the first round with a 2-1 overtime victory in Game 7.
But the Panthers were waiting for them in the second round, and they defeated Boston in six games. The Bruins scored only four goals in the final three games and lost all three at home in the series.
Who is Joe Sacco?
Sacco is a Melrose native who played for Boston University. He went on to play 13 NHL seasons for Philadelphia, Washington, the New York Islanders, Anaheim, and Toronto.
Prior to joining the Bruins coaching staff in 2014, Sacco was the head coach of the Colorado Avalanche from 2009 to 2013 and an assistant coach with the Buffalo Sabres for a year.
“I applaud Don’s choice to improve our present play and performance. Joe Sacco has extensive expertise and knowledge of our roster, and he can assist guide our squad in the proper path,” Neely stated. “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.”
