November 23rd 2024.
It's been quite a rollercoaster for the Boston Bruins since the arrival of Jim Montgomery as their head coach. No other team has achieved more wins or accumulated more points than the Bruins, making them a strong contender in the NHL. However, the recent news of Montgomery's firing on Tuesday has shocked many fans and critics alike. If we were to compile a list of the biggest disappointments of the 2024-25 season so far, the Bruins and Montgomery's dismissal would definitely make the cut.
It's no secret that the NHL is known for its slow pace of change. Many experts predicted that with the introduction of the salary cap era, teams would rise and fall at a rapid pace, similar to the NFL. However, the reality has been quite different. Teams have shown longer periods of contention and declines have been delayed, much to the surprise of many. One such team is the Bruins, who have been consistently strong contenders throughout the salary cap era. They have gone through various coaches and team restructurings, but have always maintained a strong core group of players. However, recent changes in their roster and unsuccessful attempts to build around their core have caused them to struggle.
Despite their underwhelming start to the season, which resulted in the dismissal of their recent Jack Adams-winning coach after only 20 games, the Bruins were still in a good position, tied for the last wild-card spot in the East, the day Montgomery was let go. If the playoffs were to start tomorrow, 12 out of the 16 teams from last year's playoffs would be back in the race. The Bruins and Islanders would have missed out due to tiebreakers, and the Avalanche would have narrowly missed out on a spot due to their unfortunate string of injuries. This just goes to show the level of competition in the league and how every game counts.
The last time the Bruins fired a successful coach, he quickly found a new job and went on to win the Stanley Cup with the Vegas Golden Knights. They will surely be hoping for a different outcome this time around. But let's take a look at some of the other top disappointments of the season so far.
The Nashville Predators, who made some major additions over the summer, have had a tough start to the season. With the likes of Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei joining their ranks, many expected them to make a strong comeback after missing out on last year's playoffs. However, their lack of depth at center and defense has been evident, as they currently sit at the bottom of the league standings. This can't be what Stamkos had in mind when he joined the team.
Injuries have also been a major setback for many teams this season. Some of the top players, such as Nathan MacKinnon, Connor McDavid, and Auston Matthews, have already missed games due to injuries. Even veteran players like Alex Ovechkin, who was off to a record-breaking start, have fallen victim to the injury bug. This just goes to show the physical demands of the sport and how it can affect even the most experienced players.
With the extended contention windows for teams in the NHL, it has become increasingly difficult for new teams to break into the top ranks. Franchises like the Penguins and Bruins, who have been consistently strong contenders for years, are now facing a decline. On the other hand, teams like the Capitals, who have managed to reverse their decline, are still going strong. This has left teams like Detroit, Ottawa, and Buffalo, who were hoping to make a comeback this season, struggling to keep up with the competition.
Lastly, let's take a look at some young players who were expected to make a big impact this season. While the NHL has seen some young talents like MacKinnon, McDavid, and Matthews dominate in recent years, this season has been a bit different. Players like Chicago's Connor Bedard and Anaheim's Trevor Zegras have not had the breakout season many predicted. Even top prospects like Seattle's Matty Beniers and Shane Wright have yet to make a significant impact. This just goes to show that success in the NHL doesn't come easy, even for the most talented and highly touted players.
Overall, the 2024-25 NHL season has been full of surprises and disappointments. With the competition only getting tougher, every team will have to bring their A-game to stay in the race. As for the Bruins, they will have to regroup and find a new coach to lead them through the rest of the season. Who knows, maybe this could be their year to finally lift the Stanley Cup again. But one thing is for sure, the NHL never fails to keep us on the edge of our seats.
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