Jim Montgomery lays out what would have to happen for him to admit the Boston Bruins don’t have enough to contend….
Jim Montgomery Reveals What It Would Take to Concede Boston Bruins Aren’t Contenders
The Boston Bruins are navigating an era of transition following a historic regular season in 2023-24 that ended in a disappointing first-round playoff exit. As head coach Jim Montgomery leads the team into the current season, questions loom about whether the roster still has what it takes to contend for a championship. Despite the losses of key veterans like Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci, Montgomery remains optimistic—but he’s also candid about the circumstances that could force him to admit the Bruins might fall short of their lofty aspirations.
The Fine Line Between Contenders and Pretenders
Speaking at a recent press conference, Montgomery was clear that admitting the Bruins aren’t contenders would take more than just a few poor performances. “It’s about the process and the consistency,” Montgomery said. “If we see a sustained inability to compete against top teams, not just in one-off games but over stretches, that’s when we’d have to reevaluate.”
The Bruins coach emphasized that the team’s identity revolves around defensive discipline, elite goaltending, and the ability to win tight games. If those pillars crumble, Montgomery acknowledged it would be hard to argue that Boston has enough firepower to make a deep playoff run.
Challenges Facing the Bruins
The Bruins entered the season with a revamped roster, relying heavily on younger players like Charlie McAvoy, Pavel Zacha, and Jake DeBrusk to take on leadership roles. While the team’s defensive corps and goaltending duo of Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman remain among the league’s best, questions persist about whether the forward group can generate enough offense.
Montgomery pointed out that injuries or a failure to develop secondary scoring would be red flags. “If our depth scoring disappears, or if injuries leave us scrambling for solutions, that’s when you start to see cracks,” he said.
Signs of Optimism
Despite the challenges, Montgomery isn’t ready to hit the panic button. The Bruins have shown flashes of brilliance early in the season, with a disciplined defensive structure and strong contributions from emerging stars. Montgomery also praised the resilience and work ethic of his players, which he believes are crucial for long-term success.
“Every season is a grind, and adversity is part of the journey,” he noted. “As long as we’re learning from our mistakes and improving, I’ll believe we have a shot.”
The Path Ahead
The Bruins face a tough schedule in the coming weeks, with matchups against several of the league’s top contenders. How they perform in these games could provide a clearer picture of where they stand. For now, Montgomery remains steadfast in his belief that the Bruins have the tools to compete—but he also made it clear that his patience isn’t infinite.
“If we can’t find solutions to the challenges we’re facing, I’ll be the first to acknowledge it,” Montgomery said. “But I believe in this group. We’re not there yet.”
As the season unfolds, Bruins fans will be watching closely, hoping Montgomery’s faith in his team proves justified—and that the roster has enough to contend in a highly competitive NHL landscape.
