"Not in their DNA" - Elliotte Friedman issues clear message to Boston Bruins over rebuild dilemma

Hockey analyst Elliotte Friedman discussed the Boston Bruins' uncertain form during his weekly podcast on Monday. The Bruins lost to the New York Islanders 5-4 in overtime on Sunday night and are still looking for their first win in 2025.

In the latest episode of "32 Thoughts: The Podcast," Friedman and co-host Kyle Bukauskas talked about the hottest topics in hockey. Their discussions ranged from Team USA U20 HC David Carle's job prospects after winning back-to-back World Juniors to the drama surrounding the Vancouver Canucks’ two forwards.

They also discussed the “crossroads that the Boston Bruins are facing.”

“Boston has some elite players," Friedman said. "Look at Pittsburgh. They have the elite of the elite. But it catches up with you eventually. Eventually, you hit that cycle where you have to decide, are we going to rebuild and tear down? And you and I have talked a lot about the rebuild and the teardown and how hard they are. ... I think Boston, to me, like rebuilding is not in their DNA.”

He also pointed out that the team should weigh all their options and not make snap decisions.

“They've lost two Hall of Famers and one who was not a Hall of Famer, but a great, great player," Friedman added. "And eventually, that catches up to you. So I just look at them, and I say, I think Boston has to have some big-picture conversations. They lost again on Sunday night. I think the Bruins have to decide where they are and where they really want to go."

Friedman also mentioned that the Bruins were facing a dilemma, given that they had been a top team for so long.

Boston Bruins are without a win in 2025

The Bruins lost 5-4 in overtime at TD Garden on Sunday night, their third straight loss in 2025. Their last victory was a 4-0 shutout of the Columbus Blue Jackets on Dec. 28.

David Pastrnak scored two goals for the Bruins in the third period and had a backhand shot saved by Islanders goalie Ilya Sorokin 29 seconds into overtime. After the game, Pastrnak told the media he welcomed scoring but would like the team to get back to winning ways.

“There are mixed emotions, obviously, but I just want to get on a winning streak,” he said.

After the game, Bruins coach Joe Sacco said he was optimistic about his team’s resiliency in recovering from a two-goal deficit and that the players did well. However, losing to a team in equally bad form might be the most worrying aspect for the Bruins.