“You’re going to have times in the season where you go 3-6-1 in 10 games,” Montgomery told the media, referring to the Bruins’ struggles last December. “Right now, it’s the consistency of our effort level over chemistry that is hurting.”
Montgomery said that he “could” make some line changes, however, that isn’t guaranteed. He plans to leave the lines that work — such as the John Beecher-Mark Kastellic-Cole Koepke unit — together while potentially tinkering with the other as he did during Monday’s loss.
Things have been going well offensively for the Bruins, who are averaging 3.75 goals per game (T-8th). Unfortunately, that success hasn’t extended to the defensive end. They’re also allowing 3.75 goals against per out, which is tied for the 10th-worst in the NHL.
It doesn’t help that the Bruins’ power play is also struggling. While the penalty kill is still among the NHL’s top units, Boston’s PP is only operating on an 11.1 percent success rate (T-26th) compared to last season’s clip of 22.2 percent (14th).
It isn’t all bad news for Bruins fans, though. Montgomery mentioned at his press conference that he “liked the effort level” during Tuesday’s practice, signaling a potential turnaround if the players continue to buy into his coaching.
All eyes will be on the Bruins to see how to respond to Montgomery’s early concerns when they face the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena on Wednesday. The Avalanche are currently 0-3-0 to begin the year, offering the Bruins the perfect opportunity to bounce back.