Jim Montgomery critiques Boston Bruins' "below average" performance in loss to Rangers

Boston Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery was honest about the team's performance after their 5-2 loss to the New York Rangers. He pointed out the lack of physicality and emotion in the game, which affected their momentum.

"I didn’t think we were very physical, and I didn’t think there was much emotion in our group," Montgomery said. "I did think we started the game okay, and then we ended up five-on-three. I didn’t think we responded well after that."

Although the Bruins started the game well, things went downhill after that key moment. Montgomery admitted the team didn’t respond well and that this hurt their chances of turning the game around. Even with top players like David Pastrnak and Charlie McAvoy on the ice, the Bruins couldn’t keep up with the Rangers.

Montgomery also mentioned the challenge of building chemistry, with players being rotated through different line combinations.

"Could be, could be," he said, but he stressed that improving the overall team effort was more important.

He encouraged individual players to show more energy and physicality when the team isn’t performing well, saying:

"We’re looking for our team game to build. That was below average tonight. The other part is individuals making a mark, showing some emotion, and bringing some physicality when things aren’t going our way, you know, to build momentum for the team."

Despite the experience of veteran players, the Boston Bruins couldn’t generate enough momentum to challenge the Rangers. Brett Harrison and Mark Kastelic scored Boston’s only goals, but it wasn’t enough to avoid defeat. Goaltender Brandon Bussi made 28 saves from 32 shots, but Montgomery's remarks made it clear the team effort needed improvement in this second preseason loss.

Brad Marchand pushes Boston Bruins prospects for more consistency ahead of final roster cuts

During a September 25, practice, Bruins captain Brad Marchand shared his thoughts on the team's younger players. He acknowledged their progress but made it clear that "pretty well" isn't enough if they want to secure a spot. Marchand stressed the need for more consistency in their performance.

"It's encouraging, but 'pretty well' needs to be better,'' Marchand said. "'Pretty good' is not going to cut it. If you're happy with that, then you've got a long ways to go."

Fabian Lysell and Georgii Merkulov were mentioned as players needing more consistency. The Boston Bruins hope one can secure the final roster spot, which would also support their salary cap situation.