Boston Bruins coach Jim Montgomery made a strategic decision to shake things up ahead of the team’s first-round Game 7 against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Faced with the possibility of blowing back-to-back 3-1 leads in the opening round, Montgomery felt a sense of impending doom looming over the Bruins. Determined to eliminate distractions and find a new approach, he turned to an unlikely source of inspiration – former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick.
Montgomery recalled a visit he made to the Patriots’ spring minicamp last year, where he had the opportunity to speak with Belichick about the importance of limiting distractions. The conversation made a lasting impression on Montgomery, who began preaching this message to his team as the playoffs approached. He hoped that by changing their environment, the Bruins could eliminate the noise and find the focus they needed to secure victory.
The Bruins took Montgomery’s advice to heart and decided to stay at a hotel instead of sleeping in their own beds before the crucial Game 7. They also took buses to TD Garden, breaking from their usual routine. This change in scenery seemed to have a positive effect on the team, as they went on to deliver a total team performance that ultimately saved their season.
Down by a goal, the Bruins rallied to tie the game in regulation, with David Pastrnak scoring the game-winning goal just 1:54 into overtime. Pastrnak’s performance was particularly noteworthy, as he had struggled throughout the series, only managing two goals and two assists in the first six games. However, his puck handling skills played a crucial role in jumpstarting Boston’s offense in the third period and overtime.
Pastrnak expressed relief and pride in the team’s ability to stick together and overcome adversity. The victory not only secured their spot in the next round but also marked a turning point for netminder Jeremy Swayman. Since Montgomery made the decision to give Swayman consistent starts in Game 3, he has been exceptional, allowing no more than two goals in a game. Montgomery praised Swayman as the team’s best player in the series.
The Bruins narrowly avoided making history as the first NHL, NBA, or MLB team to lose consecutive best-of-seven series after holding a 3-1 lead. Montgomery believes that this experience will make the team stronger going forward. He emphasized the importance of pushing through challenges and praised his players for staying in the moment and believing in their abilities.
Looking ahead, the Bruins face another opportunity for redemption and revenge against the Florida Panthers in the next round. Last year, the Panthers rallied from a 3-1 deficit to eliminate the Bruins in the first round, despite Boston setting league records for wins and points in the regular season. Montgomery acknowledged that last year’s outcome holds no bearing on this year’s series but acknowledged that it adds to the playoff storyline.
In conclusion, Jim Montgomery’s decision to seek inspiration from Bill Belichick and implement a change in routine proved beneficial for the Boston Bruins. Their total team performance in Game 7 helped them overcome a deficit and secure victory. The experience of nearly blowing a 3-1 lead will serve as a valuable lesson for the team moving forward. With their newfound resilience, they are ready to face the challenge of the Florida Panthers and seek redemption for last year’s disappointment.
