Player reveals what has made the Bruins more successful under Jim Montgomery
PUBLICATION
Dorin Canaday
March 5, 2023 (0:34)
When Boston fired Bruce Cassidy it was met with mixed reviews from the Bruins faithful, but not anymore.
Even when Jim Montgomery was hired as the new head coach, fans still didn't know how to feel, but it was obviously the right choice when looking at how this season is going. But what has made the Bruins that much more successful under Montgomery?
Fluto Shinzawa of The Athletic recently talked with defenseman Mike Reilly, who shared one major change that has helped the team immensely.
Here's what Reilly had to say:
�'Some games (last season under Cassidy), you'd get the puck and you'd be kind of nervous, kind of anxious, �I've got to get this thing right off my stick.' Just kind of freaking out a little bit.''
�'This year, the games I played, I didn't feel that. I felt like Monty's system, he lets guys play to their strengths. That's what I was excited for.''
Reilly, who has spent most of the season with the Providence Bruins of the AHL, appeared in 10 NHL games earlier this year, recording just one assist.
He does make an excellent point though, as the Bruins sit first in the league with a ridiculous 49-8-5 record. Montgomery has maxed out Boston's offensive capabilities, while not losing any of the solid defense they had under Cassidy.
This season, the Bruins have the seventh-best powerplay (23.2%), and the best penalty kill (86.6%), while they also have the second-most goals scored with 237 and the least allowed at 115.
SOURCE: Fluto Shinzawa, The Athletic, Bruins' Mike Reilly on being buried in the AHL: 'I was pretty crushed. Still am'.
POLL |
Who would you rather have coach the Bruins? |
Cassidy | 3 | 1.8 % |
Montgomery | 161 | 98.2 % |
List of polls |
|
6 hours ago | By Austin Sabourin Jim Montgomery just spoke on the possibility of the Bruins breaking up their fourth line |
|
7 hours ago | By Austin Sabourin Tragic news strikes Linus Ullmarks teammate, David Perron's family, and he left the team |
|
8 hours ago | By Austin Sabourin Four concerning reasons that could lead to Jim Montgomery being fired by the Boston Bruins |
|
10 hours ago | By Austin Sabourin A major development has emerged regarding Matthew Poitras being promoted by the Bruins |
|
12 hours ago | By Austin Sabourin NHL commissioner, Gary Bettman forced to cancel a major NHL event after low fan interest |
|
16 hours ago | By Austin Sabourin 18-year old pro hockey player Tyler Totten has been arrested after the death of a 41-year-old |
|
16 hours ago | By Austin Sabourin Ex-Boston Bruins forward Taylor Hall reportedly placed on the trade block |
|
17 hours ago | By Austin Sabourin Jim Montgomery reveals his biggest concern regarding the Bruins rough start to the 2024-25 season |
Previously on Bruins Insider