David Pastrnak makes his feelings known about surprise third period benching by Bruins HC

David Pastrnak was benched by head coach Jim Montgomery during the third period of the Boston Bruins' 2-0 win over the Seattle Kraken on Sunday night.

While Pastrnak did not address the benching after the game on Sunday, he spoke about it during media availability on Monday. The 26-year-old took accountability for his mistakes.

"Honestly, I've got to be better," Pastrnak said. "I take responsibility of being better, but at the same time, I'm just moving forward. Today, I'm focusing on another game tomorrow, and yesterday was yesterday. I never look back."

In the first two periods against Seattle, Pastrnak gave two turnovers, one of which resulted in a scoring opportunity for the Kraken. It was a sloppy and uncharacteristic play from Pastrnak that likely frustrated coach Montgomery.

"That was a bad turnover, so how I said, I take responsibility for it. Accountability, I guess, is a better word. I just want to move forward. I don’t want to be any distraction to our team. The guys know how I feel about them in here, and it was a bad play."

"I take accountability, but already moving forward," Pastrnak added.

Despite the benching, Pastrnak continues to lead the Bruins in scoring this season. Through 13 games, he has tallied six goals and 11 points.

Pastrnak took it in stride and is clearly focused on bouncing back in the team's next game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday.

Charlie Coyle reacts to David Pastrnak's 3rd period benching

David Pastrnak's linemate Charlie Coyle reacted to Pastrnak's surprising third period benching against the Kraken. When asked about the decision, Coyle said:

"I don't know the full extent of that and what was going on. Sometimes just so into the game, you're ready to see who you're going with next and there is really no time to kind of think," Coyle said post game.

"You know, whatever the coach says or whatever his decisions are, you know, just got to go play," he added.

Despite not playing in the period, David Pastrnak remained engaged on the bench according to Coyle.

"Pasta wasn’t silent, though. He was bringing energy. He was talking; he was into it. That’s a sign of a good teammate right there. That’s why he wears a letter; that’s why he’s one of our captains, our leaders," Coyle remarked.

The benching was unusual for the star winger, but Coyle seemed to take it in stride and emphasized David Pastrnak's positive attitude despite the decision.