The Boston Bruins announced on Tuesday that they have parted ways with head coach Jim Montgomery. Associate coach Joe Sacco has been named interim head coach, stepping in to guide the team through a challenging season.

Montgomery was in the final year of his three-year contract, which he signed in June 2022 to replace Bruce Cassidy. Despite his promising start with the Bruins, a lackluster 8-9-3 record this season prompted general manager Don Sweeney and team president Cam Neely to seek a fresh voice to lead the squad.

In a statement, Sweeney expressed gratitude for Montgomery’s contributions:
“Jim Montgomery is a very good NHL coach and an even better person. He has made a positive impact throughout the Bruins organization, and I am both grateful and appreciative of the opportunity to work with him and learn from him.”

A Promising Start, but Mounting Challenges

Montgomery’s tenure began with historic success. In his first season, the Bruins set NHL records with a 65-12-5 record and an unprecedented 132 points, claiming the Presidents’ Trophy. Montgomery’s efforts earned him the Jack Adams Award as the NHL’s Coach of the Year. However, the team’s stellar regular-season performance didn’t translate into playoff success. The Bruins suffered a shocking first-round exit in 2023, losing to the Florida Panthers after squandering a 3-1 series lead.

The following season, the Bruins rebounded with a 47-20-15 record and advanced to the second round of the playoffs. But once again, the Panthers eliminated them in six games, exposing the team’s struggles to perform in high-stakes situations.

This Season’s Struggles

The 2024-25 season began on a rocky note, with the Bruins struggling to find consistency. Offensive issues plagued the team, leading to repeated lineup changes and even the benching of star forward David Pastrnak. Despite Montgomery’s attempts to reignite the team, the Bruins suffered six losses by three or more goals, including a demoralizing 5-1 defeat to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday.

Montgomery departs with a solid regular-season record of 120-41-23, but his playoff performance—just 9-11—ultimately fell short of the Bruins’ high standards.

Enter Joe Sacco

Stepping in as interim head coach, Joe Sacco brings a wealth of experience. A Medford native and Boston University alum, Sacco played 13 seasons in the NHL and has served as an assistant coach for the Bruins since 2014. Before joining Boston, he was the head coach of the Colorado Avalanche from 2009-2013.

Cam Neely voiced confidence in Sacco’s leadership:
“Joe Sacco has a strong understanding of our standards and expectations. I trust he will do all he can to help our team achieve its goals this season.”

What’s Next for the Bruins?

With Sacco at the helm, the Bruins face the daunting task of turning their season around. Fans will hope his familiarity with the roster and his extensive coaching experience can spark a resurgence. For now, the organization and its supporters look ahead, eager to see if Sacco can guide the Bruins back to their winning ways.