Breaking: Coach fired after 20 straight losses. The streak’s over, but the heartache lingers.

The Boston Bruins have decided to part ways with head coach Jim Montgomery after a sluggish 8-9-3 start to the season, the team announced on Tuesday. Associate coach Joe Sacco will take over as interim head coach.

With a .475 points percentage, the Bruins are currently outside the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference. General manager Don Sweeney described the move as “difficult” but acknowledged Montgomery’s positive contributions to the team.

“Jim Montgomery is an excellent coach and an even better person,” said Sweeney. “His impact on the Bruins has been significant, and I’m thankful for the chance to work with him.”

Sacco, who coached the Colorado Avalanche from 2009 to 2013, has been with the Bruins’ staff since 2014. The 55-year-old former NHL player spent 13 years in the league with five teams.

Sweeney voiced concern about the team’s lack of consistency, noting that the performance in the first 20 games didn’t meet the high expectations of the Bruins. “I believe Joe Sacco has the experience to get this team focused on the consistent effort needed for success,” Sweeney said.

Montgomery, 55, posted a strong 120-41-23 record with the Bruins, leading them to two playoff appearances. However, both runs ended in disappointment against the Florida Panthers—first in the first round in 2023 and again this year in the second round after eliminating the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Named NHL Coach of the Year for 2022-23, Montgomery’s tenure in Boston followed a personal comeback after being let go by the Dallas Stars in 2020 due to alcohol-related issues, which he publicly addressed during his award speech.

Though there had been discussions of a contract extension, Montgomery’s deal was set to expire after the 2024-25 season. This year, the Bruins have struggled, ranking 31st in offense and 28th in defense, with goaltending issues following the trade of Vezina winner Linus Ullmark.

Montgomery’s departure is the first coaching change of the season, with Sacco becoming the fourth head coach under GM Don Sweeney, who has held the role since 2015.

“I fully support Don’s decision to address the team’s performance,” said team president Cam Neely. “Joe Sacco knows our roster well and has the experience to steer us in the right direction.”

 

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