Why was David Pastrnak benched? Exploring possible reasons for Jim Montgomery's harsh decision

Boston Bruins leading scorer David Pastrnak didn't play during the third period of the Bruins-Kraken matchup on Sunday night.

Pastrnak was seemingly benched in the third as he sat with his teammates for Sunday night’s final frame but didn't see a shift. The curious situation has unleashed a flurry of speculation regarding David Pastrnak’s apparent benching.

Bruins coach Jim Montgomery was asked about sitting Pastrnak for the third period. Montgomery replied (per Bruins reporter Scott McLaughlin):

“Coach’s decision third period. That’s all I’m going to comment on it.”

So, what exactly does “coach’s decision” imply?

The first thing that comes to mind is that David Pastrnak might have suffered an injury. Pastrnak felt that he could go in the third, but Montgomery decided not to play him out of caution.

Another thing that comes to mind is that Montgomery wasn’t pleased with Pastrnak’s play. Pastrnak had gotten seven shots on goal during the first 40 minutes. Even without playing a shift in the third, Pastrnak still led the team in shots for the night, though.

Lastly, it could be that Pastrnak displayed an attitude issue that rubbed Montgomery the wrong way. Perhaps Montgomery wanted to send a message that anyone could be benched, even if it was the team’s leading scorer.

While Montgomery’s cryptic message offers little insight into the real reasons for Pastrnak’s benching, the fact of the matter is that Montgomery has made Pastrnak an example for the rest of the team.

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Montgomery has called out David Pastrnak before

Sunday night’s benching wasn't the first time Jim Montgomery publicly called out Pastrnak. Last spring, during the Bruins’ first-round series against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montgomery had called Pastrnak out for his role in the Game 6 defeat that led to a seventh game.

Montgomery’s public call-out spurred Pastrnak to score the game-winning goal in overtime to send the Leafs packing and the Bruins to the second round. As such, could it be that Montgomery wanted to send his team a message?

Chances are that’s the reason behind David Pastrnak’s benching. Montgomery wasn’t satisfied with Pastrnak’s effort, so he likely decided to sit his leading scorer.

At the end of the day, the Bruins pedestrian 6-6-1 mark has been disappointing. That's why it’s reasonable to assume that Montgomery want to teach his team a lesson while sparking better efforts from his players.

Hopefully, Montgomery and Pastrnak can work things out ahead of the Bruins’ next game against division rivals, the Toronto Maple Leafs.