It's Quite Clear The Bruins Benefitted From Firing Cassidy

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Austin Sabourin
June 3, 2023 (9:28 PM)

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In the aftermath of the Boston Bruins' disappointing exit from the playoffs, the success of former coach Bruce Cassidy with the Vegas Golden Knights in their journey to the Stanley Cup Final adds an extra sting for Bruins fans. However, dwelling on Cassidy's accomplishments would be short-sighted and overlook the inevitable shelf life that coaches face in professional hockey.

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When Cassidy was fired, Jake DeBrusk rescinded his trade request and David Krejci returning from a one-year trek back to his native Czechia.

While Cassidy has undeniably proven himself as a fantastic coach, the Bruins made the decision to move on from him for valid reasons. Over time, even the most professional players can tune out repetitive messaging. The Bruins sought a fresh perspective to unlock their full potential, particularly with an aging core that needed a boost.

The hiring of Jim Montgomery as Cassidy's replacement brought positive changes.

Montgomery's system adjustments emphasized shot quality, offensive freedom for defensemen, and led to improved production from the entire roster. The Bruins experienced record-breaking offensive numbers and clicked across all lines. However, Montgomery's questionable decisions in the final games of the season contributed to the team's momentum collapse.

Just like Cassidy, Montgomery will have the opportunity to learn from his mistakes and bounce back next season. The burden falls on the players as well to respond appropriately. Coaches play a crucial role, but ultimately it's the team's performance on the ice that determines success. As Cassidy enjoys success with Vegas, it is now Montgomery's turn to make his mark and lead the Bruins to a strong comeback in the 2023-24 season.

As seen on Boston.com