Jim Montgomery acknowledged that he might have to resort to extreme actions.
The Bruins are on track to set a record this postseason, but it’s not a record they want to achieve. Their recent loss to the Florida Panthers in Game 2 brought attention to a concerning trend for the team: too many men on the ice penalties. Boston has committed five such infractions, while the rest of the NHL combined has only committed seven. The postseason record stands at six.
Jim Montgomery, addressing reporters, acknowledged the issue with a touch of sarcasm, stating, “It’s good to set records. That’s a positive, right?” Despite the lighthearted remark, Montgomery took full responsibility for the penalties, recognizing their detrimental impact on the team’s defense and goaltending. He hinted at the possibility of implementing drastic measures to address the problem, even jokingly mentioning physically preventing players from jumping onto the ice prematurely.
Montgomery emphasized the importance of clearer communication among players and coaching staff to rectify the issue. James van Riemsdyk echoed this sentiment, stressing the need for improved communication and awareness on the ice, especially during line changes and matchups in the playoffs.
The Bruins are determined to minimize penalties and bounce back in Game 3 against the Panthers at TD Garden. With pregame and postgame coverage on NESN+, the team aims to rectify their shortcomings and regain momentum in the series.