I totally agree with you concerning Jim Montgomery. But I think an analysis of the Bruins' success this year also has to highlight the importance of David Krejci's return to Boston. He fills in a huge hole as the second line center and plays a tremendous role on the PP. He is such a talented and intelligent player, with the amazing ability of slowing down play when needed and the experience and calm leadership to bring stability to the team. And all that for a mere 1M$ a year! I sure hope Krejci gets to win one last cup with the Bruins this year. And if he does, I'll be clapping super hard when he hoists the cup, because he totally deserves it.
I'm cautiously optimistic about the Bruins. They are the one Boston team that has given me more disappointment and heartbreak in my life than any other team. People always talk about the Red Sox and the Curse of the Bambino, but look at the Bruins - 23 consecutive playoff appearances between 1973 and 1995 and no Cups. In my lifetime (I was born in 1975), I've seen the Bruins play in five Stanley Cup Finals and they have lost FOUR of them - including three on home ice.
Those are my exact thoughts too, the difference he makes is invaluable. I remember thinking all last year about how good they could've been had he stayed.
@@sean2015 to be fair the 2 against edmonton in 80s , who could actually beat that juggernaut... 2013 a break down in game 6 with 2 min left , 2019 we got bullied by the blues , ans still went 7....once this team starts playing a full 60 consistently look out
What is equally terrifying to me is from game to game the Bruins can beat you with virtually any line, any players. Teams just don't know how to deal with that. All that and knowing, as an opponent... you're feeling more pressure than they are. Good luck.
Facts bro!! The Bruins can also beat you in any style of game you want to play this season. You wanna open it up? You want to play physical? You want to play stingy tight D? No Problem. They have beaten teams in a variety of different ways this season. A team that can play like that is a very DANGEROUS team!!
The BossTown B-ruin-ers are the most dominant team I’ve seen since the 70’ & ‘72 Bobby Orr Cup winners especially in 3rd period goal differential! BRUINS ALL THE WAY TO HOISTING THE CUP! The Beasts of the East…and West. BIG BAD IS BACK!
The importance of Foligno as an addition to the leadership group here in Boston can't be understated. Last year dealing with injuries he may not have had the same impact in the room, but with his better play this year and all the good graces as a locker room guy built up last year it feels like he's better able to inspire this team to get points. The excitement Foligno has for his teammates performing well and their excitement for him is a feedback loop that results in things like his speech in the locker room after the 2nd period of the Winter Classic resonating and daring others to play better. They dominated that 3rd period. Fliggy4life.
All I can say is that I've been a Boston Bruins fan my entire life and I was born in 1971 I will never forget meeting Tim Thomas at gutterson Fieldhouse at uvm.I used to think that the fun thing was the New York Giants coming up to that area to visit us and then I got older and realized how awesome the sport of hockey was and how awesome my Boston Bruins were and I only had to wait until I was late 40s early 50s for my team to look like this? That's a once in a lifetime option I'll take every time. Great video!
@@jonathanschadenfreude9603 , the goaltending has been very solid. If the Bruins win the Cup, and I have a feeling it will happen, it will be because of the goaltending.
I doubted DeBrusk last year, but to his credit he had a really good final quarter of the season and with the coaching change he's continued to play hard, fast, skilled and responsible hockey. Foligno bouncing back and Krejci's return are big. Adding Greer for toughness helps Frederic relax a little as well. It's been an amazing season so far. Goalies are killing it as well!
Montgomery is playing chess - switching up lines and schemes to breakdown opponent's strengths and exploiting their weaknesses. I'm loving every minute of this season's Bruins.
Great video, love the point about activating the d men to create confusion. I felt the Avs' perfected that last season, especially seen through Cale Makar, and was a main factor in them going all the way. Exciting how the game progresses and changes.
Over the summer, I remember being really upset when I heard Cassidy got the can. I was skeptical of Montgomery’s coaching, especially going into the first game of the regular season, considering our average 3-3 preseason record and our missing players (Marchand, McAvoy, etc.) but then after the 5-2 win in Washington, I remember thinking “this Bruins team isn’t the same as we were last year or during the preseason” and that’s when i realized Jim Montgomery was an even better replacement than Cassidy. Let’s go Bruins!
I had the exact same thought during the opener. I even texted my friend to see if he was watching and responded simply "The boys look GOOD." I've never seen a Bruins team like this before and I've been an avid fan since the early 90s.
Playoffs are a different animal but whoever plays the bruins is on their A+ game every night they are not beating this team. Bruins can turn it on in the 3rd and come back from ant deficit its scary. never seen a team like this.
@@jacobalan9109 how do you know? You lost kadri and has newhook step in and hasnt been good. Landeskog and mackinnon coming back would make them very good but who really knows if they would be a contender? Its hard to repeat especially when youre a worse team this year than you were the last regardless of health
The main reason is he is balancing the lines. Instead of stacking the top line and leaving the other lines bare he has two solid players in each of the top 3 lines. Hall on the third line who’s gonna stop that? This also gives DeBrusk, Frederick and Zacha the opportunity to achieve more because they are playing with great line mates.
I've been a Bruins fan since 1967. So proud and grateful to see them win the 2011 Stanley Cup in my home city of Vancouver BC (still embarrassed about the riots). The performance of this year's team is truly remarkable. I had no expectations prior to the start of this season. Thank you Jim Montgomery!
..yes but also if you consider the players and what they are capable of; I kinda knew that they could be insane good. I was worried about goaltending. Now, this year feels magic. In a world that could use the some grace.
As a Bruins fan I am so impressed how good this Seattle team looks. They may barely miss the playoffs this year but look out the following year!! They are headed for great things!
I certainly hope they do raise the Cup again. The season is only half over which means the grind is just beginning. Their play during games suggests they should continue to do well; relatively tight contests where they outscore everyone in the third period. The variable? Injuries. They stay healthy throughout, their chances go even higher...
@@billyboblillybob344 Unfortunateky to me and other Ranger fans, the Bruins are already champions. Can’t see them losing 4 out of 7 games to anyone. I feel they will walk through the playoffs. And again; as a Ranger fan, it hurts SO much to say that, but honesty is honesty ya know?!? 🤦♂️
@@Grampa84 Wow I forgot about this post cause it’s so old and aged so well 😝 Well, the Bruins pleased us with the most embarrassing choke in NHL history, if not all of sports history last year, but don’t worry, I believe the Panthers will take first place in the biggest choke category today 😬 Let’s go Oilers!
This is why I would consider Jim Montgomery for Jack Adams, not only because of how well is team was playing, but they were missing a few core pieces to start the year. He has changed this team in ways not everyone looks at.
Not to mention they might be one of the most mentally tough and resilient teams I’ve ever seen. How many games have they fell behind by multiple goals early and either forced OT or comeback to win? You can’t put this team away in two periods, you need to play all three
Watching Bruins play is a pure joy, every piece of the puzzle fits perfectly, the whole team seems to have a perfect chemistry, once again, it's a pure joy and celebration of the fantastic game, that ice hockey is.
The B's activating their D has been great; however their goalies have bailed them out stopping breakaways countless times. That is slightly worrisome when playing playoff teams every night. Montgomery deserves tons of credit, but having Krejci has done wonders for their center depth. Brad Marchand recently commented the B's aren't necessarily blowing teams out every night; they just find a way to be on top at the end. So with league parity, Carolina and yes Toronto pose a threat in the East. Oh and Ullmark pronounces his first name "Lee-nus." Love the videos, keep up the great work!
@@rorymccaughan4067 that tends to happen when you're a .800 team regardless of actual score-lines. Alot of B's games this year have been 1-2 goal games and sometimes they get an empty netter to make it 3. They aren't blowing out teams every night like you'd expect a 32-4-4 to be doing. Although I'd argue that's a good thing since they'll be ready for real gritty games once the playoffs come around.
When you have one of the best penalty kills, one of the best power plays, the best goalie in the league statistically, and every single player producing, it’s not surprising that they’re winning games. Tell me how many times goalies have bailed their teams out in major playoff games. Would you then say that team isn’t good because the goalie bailed them out? Wins are wins at the end of the day
The B's do however have the most goals for AND the least goals against in the league. They only have 7 more goals scored than the next closest and 15 goals against less than the next closest. They aren't running away with super high scoring but couple that with great defense and goaltending.... that's the reason they are the best team in the NHL right now.
I've been watching the Bruins since 1957. First game for me and Willie O'Ree the 1st man of "color" to play in the NHL against the then "hated" (Habs) Montreal Canadians. I remember when my personal favorite Bobby Orr was a mere rumor in the minors and fresh off the farm, but...this team here is the best I have ever seen. The best balanced team to date which includes speed, defence and resilience. My favorite team previous to this one were the Esposito and Orr lead teams. If this team continues the way they are and win the Cup the crown will be placed on this team's head as the best Bruins team ever in my opinion. To success my guys.
I've been watching the Bruins since I was 14 years old. I'm now 66. I've been to quite a few games this season. It feels different. There's electricity in the air. I do believe Jim Montgomery is the glue holding it all together. I sat 5th row, right next to the glass when they played Toronto on January 15th. It was the same kind of excitement from the Bobby Orr days. What exciting hockey!!! Great job, everyone! (slow, methodical) 👏.... 👏.... 👏.... 👏....
I was born in 1964 and I got a 3 month old puppy around May of 2011 and I wanted to name him either Boston or Bruin if the Boston Bruins got past Tampa Bay to make it to the the Stanley Cup which they did but we ended up naming him Simba because my youngest son and I could not agree on a name so he came up with the idea for us to pick our top 3 names put the names in a hat and whichever one matched we would name the puppy that name and both of us had Simba as a match for our top 3 names. Simba is still alive and well and still has a lot of puppy left in him and hopefully he will be able to see the Boston Bruins win their second Stanley Cup in his lifetime. Maybe then I'll nickname him Boston; "Simba Boston" or "Boston Simba" I call him Saint Simba now because he is a Saint. He's a great dog and looks just like a Black Mouth Cur.
The sheer fact that *Taylor Hall* anchors a *THIRD* line is enough to scare the hell out of pretty much any team- who has forward depth to that level? I’d argue nobody.
You said the bruins have the same team but you forget one of the biggest pieces was missing last year. A true 1b center in krejci. Dk47 controls the play so well and slows it down when needed. No disrespect to haula but he's nowhere near the level of krejci. Getting zacha as a 1 for 1 while getting dk back is a+
zacha is literally a younger kjrej, a solid replacement. but how do you replace the unreplaceable in bergeron? only player i see that even resembles his style is horvat. and even with his more offensive upside he doesnt hold a candle to bergy
@@McMold You are right on, the 2011 team's talent was not no where near this years team. During the 2011 season and especially the Stanley Cup playoff, other teams do not take liberty with the Bruins players because they have player that other teams would have to answer to. I remember saying to a friend, watch out for other teams, they will learn from this Stanley Cup victory for the Bruins. Other teams got more physical while the Bruins did not. The last time the Bruins went to the final, the team took a beating all thru the playoff. By the time they got to the Stanley Cup series, they were one battered team! No chance of winning!
@@slaptree still gonna enjoy this season but I hope we add a big shutdown defenseman in case Carlo gets hurt again cuz it’s gonna be a tough series if we go against Tampa in that 2nd round
I know this Bruins team was different when we came back from down by 2 to Carolina early in the season to win. The old Bruins would've cowered over and died, but not this team. We're something special
I'll throw my hands up and say I was 100% wrong about firing Cassidy. Yes, he's got Vegas on a cup run which I guaranteed would happen, but I wanted Sweeney and Neeley's heads on pikes after last season and expected this year to be the window slamming shut. Instead we're the best hockey team I've ever seen. Ever.
The Bruins record speaks for itself; Montgomery has absolutely made the difference. As a bruins fan since the 1960's........this is by far THE best and most exciting Bruins team I have ever watched. The core team of Bergeron, Marchand, Pasternak, McAvoy, with their additions of Debrusk and others that make up 4 stellar lines; then the two best goalies in the league and the best head coach: the only thing between this Bruins team and the Stanley Cup: Desire and Focus!!!
No, this is NOT essentially the same team as last year. The GAPING hole on last year's Bruins team was 2nd line center. Charlie Coyle is an EXCELLENT 3rd line center, but he is a BELOW AVERAGE 2nd line center, so getting Krejci back makes both the 2nd AND 3rd lines exponentially better. The next HUGE difference is we get a full season of a TOP PAIRING DEFENSEMAN in Hampus Lindholm! He is a HUGE upgrade over Matt Gryzelcyk, who again is a great 2nd pairing D-Man, but is a below average top pairing d-man. Now add Pavel Zacha for Eric Haula, and factor in Nick Foligno's resurgence, and you have a different team. Yes, the coach is an upgrade too, and players like DeBrusk, as you pointed out, welcomed a change. Jim is doing a great job, as Boston was already a defensively sound team. He's just opened up their offense, so the team relies a bit more on goaltending, but with the explosive offense, it's been a great move.
I agree with Jim being a key to the B's success, however, the B's have had outstanding goaltending from both Swayman and Ullmark. Other teams have out-shot and out-played the B's but the B's still pull out the W so lots of the credit should go their way. I can't help but feel that the B's will go all the way because this year it doesn't seem to matter if someone important is out because of injury or another isn't playing well because the rest of the team always pitches in and gets the job done.
They've won 32 out of 40 games so far. They have yet to lose back to back games. Their worst 7 game strech all season has been 4-3. 32-8 overall is the equivalent of winning 8 different 7 game series averaging 5 games a series. It would take an epic collapse for this team to not go all the way because right now they're unstoppable
This could be the rangers if our coach didn't try to snub out all of our first round pick young talent for has beens with rings. Goodrow passed to an opposing team breakaway and lost the game and he still starts him over the young talents and healthy scratches first overall picks.
Been a Bruins fan since 1990, this is one of the best teams I've ever seen, period. They're playing like a well oiled machine. As long as the parts keep working, the sky's the limit.
Cassidy is a great coach and I dont know the behind the scenes but I feel he handcuffed players to a certain role like D man are always static to stick to the blue line so on and so on. Now I feel montgomery is listening to players and how they want to play and placing them on the correct line. Debrusk having more goals because of the netfront presence during powerplay and lindholm playing more offensive. Also feel like the players are genuine friends which can be a good and bad thing. Even berg said this team is something special and last time he said that they won the cup. I can see a deep run in this team and hopefully a cup to bring home
Anything can always happen in the wild world of sports and especially the fast paced game of hockey, but I'm looking for the Cup to come back to Boston this season... GO BRUINS!!!
Let's not forget the 2nd line. Krejci Zacha Marchand "They fill that gap" Haula as good as he is just wasn't gettin it done last year.. Great trade!! Montgomery is fantastic!
Habs fan...but always had deep respect for Bostons hockey heritage, organization, fans etc. Great hockey club. Hate to lose to Boston, but when we are out I hope they win.
I agree immensely, I'm certainly hoping as a lifetime Bruins fan that they go all the way this year. I've always supported the Bruins thru good and bad. I see extreme potential this year. Welcome back David Krejci too
Would love an analysis like this regarding DJ Smith and the Sens as an interesting juxtaposition to this video. This comment from Nashville’s assistant coach could be a great starting point/hook, “They’re really good at making scramble plays… it’s not always structural for them.” Thanks for your vids @hockeypsychology
I've been a Bruins fan my entire life, yes they've been pretty consistently good for the last decade or so, but I can't remember the last time I've seen them this complete. There hasn't been a game all season that they've gone into the 3rd period and I've said to myself "oh well, we'll get them next time", even the shutout the other day against Seatle. There has always been questions about certain positions or situations where they just never seemed to be able to get it done, that has all changed this year.
Taylor Hall is good but super overrated. He has never scored 40 goals, and was only on pace for 40 once in his career, 2017-18. He’s on a 53 point, 23 goal pace this year, nothing to scoff at, but don’t act like he’s still a top 50 player in the league
It was a healthy change for Cassidy as well, seeing that the Knights had been tearing it up in the West. Hopefully they won't burn out after the All Star Games
This team is so fun to watch. They can be down 2-0 in the first period and as a fan, you aren't even slightly worried. You almost know without doubt that they will come back. I don't think there's a team in the NHL that can beat them in a 7 game series.
Uhlmark and Montgomery are two top reasons. Another I observed was the power play used to be a one trick pony to Pasta, there is more luck movement in the power okay resulting in less predicability. Finally seeing Debrusk flourish under Montgomery is great I feared Cassidy would stagnate the careers of Kuntar, Lysell, and other young prospects in our Pipeline.
As a fan of the Bruins since I first got into hockey in the eighties (believe me that was a real effort in the UK back then!) I can’t begin to express how much this team excites me. Obviously it’s only in the internet age when I’ve been able to watch regularly, but even since we started getting half decent coverage in the late 1990s, I can’t remember many teams let alone Boston teams that have been this good 🤔 It says something when you consider how good that team was in the late 2000 and early 2010s under Claude Julien, especially when we managed to get people like Recchi and take real depth into the playoffs to ultimately win the cup. If anything that team should maybe have won another cup, but it wasn’t to be, not least because of the brilliance of that Chicago team with players like Kane, Sharp, Toews, Hosea and Handzus when they edged out the AB’s in 2013. As good as that lot are, I still say this team is better than them. What I love is that the defence attacks and the attack defends. And he will switch lines round deliberately to exploit a weakness. There is a nominal first line, but they might individually find themselves on the second or even third line, and they all seem to know how to adapt to each other almost seamlessly 😎 In Dutch football (yeah I know, soccer 😉) they always talked in the 70s about ‘totaalvoetbal’ or ‘Total football’, where there is a fluidity in the lineup so that every player in the team is at least competent in all positions so that if, say, a defender wants to maraud forward and confuse the opposition defence, other players could easily slot into their place and plug any defensive gaps should the opposition gain possession and counter attack. This is what I see in this team, Total Hockey 🏒 And I am loving it 😍 Let’s win the cup for N°46. He is without doubt my favourite Bruin ever and I’d like nothing more than for him to get another workout hoisting Lord Stanley’s rose bowl above his head 🍀👍🍻 🐻 ⬛️🟨⬛️🟨⬛️🟨⬛️🟨⬛️🟨⬛️
This team is definitely scary this year with so many improvements. I watched them all last year and the most disappointing thing was how they would get scored on with less than a minute left in the game. Argh! So frustrating! This year, however, it's the Bruins who are dominating teams in the 3rd! Scary indeed, but fun too!!
Here is their scariest stat - the Bruins lead the NHL in most goals and fewest goals allowed - yet only have 1 player in the top 50 in scoring (points) in the NHL. This is the most well balanced they have ever been and will beat you with 4 strong lines not just 1 like in previous years.
The main thing I see that different from this year to last is that the B's aren't taking 40+ shots from atop the zone. They are making quality plays in deep and only averaging high 20 to 30 shots. Goaltending is a lot better this year as well but virtually the same team as last year.
Totally agree with you on Cassidy. The B's seemed to run out of gas toward the end of the season and playoffs under Cassidy's system. The top line was toast because all year long they had been the only source of goals. The guys really seem to enjoy playing Monty's system and hopefully that will mean they're not burned out come playoff time. The other change I've noticed is Bergy he really seems to be having fun this year both as a player and team captain. He's smiling more and he's more vocal on the ice
Go B's!!! You're spot on. However Krejci, Zacha and Pasta prevent massive problems to other lines. Plus Lindhom was a HUGE signing last year. You are right. Montgomery was a great call.
Im an old hockey player from Boston, I haven't seen a bruins team this good ever, and I watched the 70,71 bruins who were really good, this team has depth ant is balanced, here's a key, you don't see many odd man rushes against them, two on ones are deadly, they pick up trailers back checking, if they keep their play up like this, they could be one of, if not the best team ever, record wise. Go B's
Been a Bruins fan since 1970 and this team is as good as I seen in any of the decades since. I can honestly say I never seen this coming this year by starting off the year to injuries to 2 key players in Marchand and McAvoy and a coaching change which to be honest, I was pissed off about. I liked Cassidy, but wow Monty has done it. Rejuvenated DeBrusk and brought Krejci back which is key. Doubt Krejci comes back with Cassidy. Not only that but we have superb goaltending from Ullmark which is huge! Bruins have been lucky in a long line of excellent goaltenders from Cheevers, Gilbert,Moog, Peters, Thomas even Rask to now. Let's win one more for Bergy and Krejci, Go Bruins Go!!!
Bruins are loaded down to the Fourth line. Their one weakness I see is sometimes getting trapped in their Zone for extended periods of time and trouble changing out tired players
I think coach Montgomery brought out the best in all the bruins players in the practices and its transitioning into games cause the bruins teams confidence is through the roof and the players gelled as a team and ullmark is playing lights out as a goalie. I hope my bruins can end the playoffs with a cup win come June cause they lost the cup finals in 2013 and 2019 but they shoulda won 2019 finals but st Louis had the better goalie that's why they won game 7 in June 2019 in boston like how bruins won game 7 in June 2011 in Vancouver.
I also think an underrated part of this team is the improved play from players such as Carlo, foligno, gryz, and even coyle. Along with Lindholm, these guys stepped up in a huge way when marchy and mcavoy were out earlier and haven’t slowed down either
No doubt. Hall, Coyle, Faligno were standing pylons, placeholders on their lines. Having them actively moving their feet and creating added 3 more players teams have to cover. Debrusk always hustled and always just missed scoring cause he was alone when pressing. Now there's more support and all 4 are factors on the ice.
You left Lindholm last, that is a big mistake on your part, He is an exceptional defenseman, Worth all the money he gets and more, Bruins got him for a song because he can get the puck out of the Bruins zone which they were lacking,Now "He's worth his weight in gold. DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE HIM EVER!!!
Avalanche could MAYBE beat em if they're healthy, and everyone shakes off the rust. But it's hard to tell without knowing how new pieces like malgin and erod would play when the team is fully healthy.
The Bruins are a scary group right now. The lines are strong and solid from top to bottom and they haven't missed a beat since DeBrusk went down after the Winter Classic. I was a little worried when news of his injury broke, but the team just played on and won. We all know that the puck can take funny bounces and changes in direction to beat us, but I feel that this team has as good a chance as any team to get the Stanley Cup finals, if they can stay healthy and don't lose key players down the stretch. And, they have a couple of pretty good goaltenders.
who's keeping this team together and playing at this level? #1 Ullmark #2 Bergie #3 Krejci #4 Monty Jake began to flourish January 2022- when Cassidy was forced to finally put him on top line and pasta on the second line - they both exploded. BEFORE Monty came in Jake saved the bruins, probably saved pasta from leaving But the number one guy behind our success now? Ullmark Linus came in injured after double hip surgery. Buffalo called him up early and he never recovered. The past year has been Boston rehabs, trainers, nutritionists, and massive support for his family, for the first time in his life/career That's the difference between last year and this year - he's not playing injured for the first time in years All the advantages 6'2" Jeremy swayman had all along! Only ullmark was older, extremely coachable 6'5" European trained Ullmark is the glue that's keeping us in games, and he will be responsible for talent coming back Players don't have to play back on their heels when Linus is in net. His defensive lines can be actively scoring - that's what we were looking for in 2019, that's what Monty is doing. He can't have his defenseman focused on scoring, without Ullmark They have to hang back, play differently when Jeremy or Kieth are tenders.. They can't be focused on offense And here's the litmus test- if Ullmark wasn't there? Pasta would likely leave this year. You're not getting anywhere without an elite goalie -and they're all over 6 ft 4 in, European train - the last USA train / born goalie to get the cup? 1994! Thomas trained in Europe and came back a beast Nobody in that locker room believed Jeremy was going to carry the bruins on his back. They are not that stupid! But they kept the seat warm, kept the fans distracted - sold a lot of #1 jerseys and sold out home games. Monty is doing what the players wanted done in 2019. He's carrying out the will of the 2019 Stanley cup boyz. He was brought in to be their voice Cam Neely's mid-may interview made it clear - Cassidy was not a shoe-in for the next season. They were listening to the players voices... Fans were not listening, (probably cuz it was right after we got our butts kicked by the canes) David Backes Dec 2021 interview (when he was not under NHL contract) spells out the issues players were having with Cassidy. Basically backing up Jake calling out the hypocrisy of "do your job follow the system... every player competes for their spot every day, nothing is a given" we can hear directly what Backes predicted needed to be fixed- that Monty is now addressing. Ullmark is now, and will will be the talent magnet that keeps veterans coming back, and Pasta in Boston Monty is replaceable, Ullmark (AND GOALIE BOB) are not replaceable.
We don't play different with sway in net..wtf you talking about? Have you heard the players? Obviously not... Ullmark had no bearing on pasta staying Your long winded posts are just biased bullshit meant to pump up your boy ullmark.. Ya, swayman is in the NHL for jersey sales and buts in seats? Hahahaha gimme a fuckin break..we've sold out hundreds of games in a row before sway was in the league. .as if we wouldn't sell out if sway wasn't on the team...do you listen to yourself? Your an imbecile.. Canes didn't "kick our buts"..we lost by one game by one goal after sway came in to bail out ullmarks poor performance..(has he ever beat Carolina?). Monty's replaceable?? That's a funny thing to say when he's the coach of the year hands down and the main reason we r rolling... Please learn hockey gulch before posting more nonsense... getting sick of straightening you out
I though it wasn't the coach! I actually liked Bruce. I was wrong! Getting the defense to participate more in the offense has been the key. Everyone is a part. Great strategy !
Apparently you don't remember the 2019 playoffs... He pissed off a lot of players micromanaging their intuition and hockey vision, refused to allow 46 and 88 to play together - we lost. Those players want that cup back - Cassidy gave it away "do your job follow the system.. every player has to compete for their position every day, nothing is a given" He left Pasta on that top line failing, when Jake was calling out the hypocrisy of the coaching staff. Jake saved this team by shaking it up - you think pasta was going to re-sign with the bruins with a micromanaging coach that doesn't allow his players to use their own instincts? Do you not remember what happened to Milan lucic? His father suddenly died tragically, lost his mojo.. we couldn't get him back. He had to be traded. Nobody wanted that Pasta just lost his son - he was losing his hockey. He wanted to be dropped down to the second line Nope! Bruce knows better! You stay there and fail boy! Bruce did not play AHL prospects, didn't trust them -he left our trade cupboards bare. You've got to play your prospects to give them plus minus stats, NHL ice time so you got something to trade! He left us with nothing! benched Trent Frederick for taking on the caps? Humiliating him in front of the hockey world? That was the last straw for me Yeah - he's a great regular season/ahl coach. And listening to his recent interviews? He's talking more about trusting his players vision - he got the message Nobody noticed, there was no love lost between Cassidy and Chara when big Z left. Chara was not happy that Cassidy took David backes out of the 2019 playoffs. He wanted that grit on the ice - made Chara's job nearly impossible
Maybe it is the buy-in but they all seem to be playing at a higher level. Watching Marchie getting a pass off the face-off, rushing all the way down the left wing, and burning 3 or 4 guys for the back-hand goal was one of the best plays I've seen in a long time. That's also why fans of other teams hate Marchie!
These seasoned veteran cup winning players have been suppressed under the "do your job follow the system" coach I'm amazed that no one remembers 2019 cup finals - that's where this is coming from. Cassidy gave away that cup - would not listen to his players. Would not allow them to use their own instincts and vision. REFUSED to let pasta and Krejci play together. David Backes Dec 2021 interview spelled it up pretty well, cuz he wasn't under NHL contract anymore. He was allowed to speak up, and he backed up Jake
I was so intrigued by the Bruins domination this year, that I decided to develop a team evaluation model using math/quantitative analysis and developed a metric to try and quantify both the coach contribution and the depth aspect, in addition to the goalies contribution and weighting, also discussed in this video and follow on comments. I am still tweaking, but currently the rank order is as follows, normalized to a scale of 100: Bruins 100 Devils 42 Lightning 34 Jets 32 Maple Leafs 29 Rangers 28 Hurricanes 27 Stars 25 Knights 8 Because of this model output, I am surprised the Maple Leafs in the standings are higher than the Lightning, are there any other teams that should be considered? The Hurricanes have good coaching and depth but looks like the shots on net are not as accurate. Would be interested in any feedback. My prediction is the Lightning will bypass the Maple Leafs soon [within next couple of weeks] in the standings
Because Boston has been dominating other teams and the model reveals that huge delta above, I decided to see how this team is on track and compares to the best teams of all time. I used the NHL online survey and was very perplexed because not only did that survey have four Oiler teams in the top ten, but the subjective NHL survey ALSO had Edmonton 83-84 team ranked ninth and my model had that Edmonton team ranked above the other Oiler 84-85 team, which the NHL had as their #1 ranked team of all time. I can't even believe they had the Penguins 91-92 ranked SECOND on the best of all-time list, since the Penguins 91-92 weren't even close to the other teams on their NHL list, according to my model output. My model shows that if the Bruins can maintain their current winning percentage and dramatically improve on their goal differential, they are on track to be the second-best team of all time, following the dominate 76-77 Canadiens. Here is the output of the model thus far: 1 Canadiens 76-77: 96 2 Bruins (1970-1971): 79.75 3 Canadiens 77-78: 79.45 4 Bruins (2022-2023): 79.34 5 Red Wings01-02: 53 6 Edmonton 83-84: 52 7 Islanders 82-83: 44 8 Edmonton Oilers (84-85): 41 9 Oilers 87-88: 40 10 Oilers 86-87: 39.18 11 Red Wings 97-98: 38.29 12 Boston 2010 2011: 37 13 Penguins (91-92): 8 If there is interest I can break down some of the aspects of the overall order of merit above. What is interesting is of the teams above, only six teams have a winning percentage above 70% and only six teams (5 of the six that have the 70%+ Winning percentage); have a goal differential above 100; the Redwings had 71% WP, but only had a goal differential of 64, which reveals much more defensive focused. The Edmonton Oilers of 84-85 was the only other team over 100 goal differential that had a winning percentage under 70% but close with 68%. Also note, the NHL didn't even have the 70-71 Bruins in their top ten, which is another what is going on with the NHL subjective list ranking. That 70-71 Bruins team had a 78% winning percentage; the second of all time goal differential and one of the deepest teams ever. The two Canadien teams of the 70s and the 70-71 Bruins and this year's Bruins team is in a tier all by themselves as indicated above.
Damn straight they're scary....a good kind of scary. Love to see a well executed hockey game played by a team that loves to play. While I'm not a big Bruins fan, I do watch the games every chance I get (in the Lightning/Panthers market area, so not often) and wish them well...since at the beginning of the season some of the polls wrote them off.
Coaching is very important! As a West Coast hockey fan, I obviously don’t see too many Boston Bruins games. I figured that the reason they’re so good this year was because they have the best defensive pairing in hockey in Linholm and McAvoy! Not to mention, Bruins forwards are very responsible defensively.
Ullmark Yeah - I'm in Alaska - it's kind of tough to catch my Boston bears They limit our hotspots here - it's so controlling that it's difficult to catch them on the internet, and ESPN sucks up all our data! Otherwise, we're looking at over $170 per month just to watch SOME hockey on satellite tv. We need four different channels to catch them now? ESPN & Mickey Mouse are laughing all the way to the bank! NHL better do something about this - they just set revenue records for Winter classic Jersey sales, they're about to hand #88 $88 million for the next 8 years of his life - and he might be worth it with all the hat tricks and whatnot But I spent the entire game messing around with the ESPN app trying to watch his hat trick! I'm hoping the players start to catch on - they're losing us. Pastas going to get $11 million dollars per year, and some of his biggest fans can't watch him anymore!
I have been a Bruins fan since 1960 and I have never seen anything like this before from any Bruins team only Bobby Orr and the BIG Bad Bruins Days and from old comes close. The players and the coaching staff is fantastic. Pasta is on pace to score 80 goals. When I watch away games it's like watching home games. The fan support to the players must feel like every away game is a home game. When the fans in the away arenas our chatting lets go Bruins! Did someone say Stanley Cup?
My only worry now is peeking to soon. Also he didn’t mention out young D maturing these kids are mind blowing. I’ve been a fan for the same amount of time. Loved growing up watching WSBK ch 38.
3 teams I think have the BEST shot against the Bruins come cup time, Canes, Tampa, Avs. We can beat these teams but in a 7 games series these teams have great depth and core. Canes always seemingly being our kryptonite in recent years. Really rooting for some redemption from 2019 for Bergy, Krech and Marchy.
It's nice to see the B's playing so well. The last month of the regular season is when to watch who is peaking and streaking. After all, regular season play is for entertainment, and the playoffs is the REAL season where everything suddenly changes.
The Bruins are an Absolute wagon and we are rollin baby!! This has been a special season so far and extremely fun to watch night after night!! At the end of the day all that matters is Playoff Success but I am just trying to enjoy this ride as something special is BRUIN in Boston!! Don't Poke the Bear!! Lets Go!! 💯
I have been a Bruins fan since I was Nine years old - 2023 58 years old, never ever have I cashed The Boston Bruins in for any reason, Boston keep Bruin Boys, we're going All the way 2023 💪🐻💛🖤🙌
I totally agree with you concerning Jim Montgomery. But I think an analysis of the Bruins' success this year also has to highlight the importance of David Krejci's return to Boston. He fills in a huge hole as the second line center and plays a tremendous role on the PP. He is such a talented and intelligent player, with the amazing ability of slowing down play when needed and the experience and calm leadership to bring stability to the team. And all that for a mere 1M$ a year! I sure hope Krejci gets to win one last cup with the Bruins this year. And if he does, I'll be clapping super hard when he hoists the cup, because he totally deserves it.
I'm cautiously optimistic about the Bruins. They are the one Boston team that has given me more disappointment and heartbreak in my life than any other team. People always talk about the Red Sox and the Curse of the Bambino, but look at the Bruins - 23 consecutive playoff appearances between 1973 and 1995 and no Cups. In my lifetime (I was born in 1975), I've seen the Bruins play in five Stanley Cup Finals and they have lost FOUR of them - including three on home ice.
Those are my exact thoughts too, the difference he makes is invaluable. I remember thinking all last year about how good they could've been had he stayed.
It's worth noting that David Krejci also decided to come back after Bruce left.
I dont think anyone expected the Czech line trio of Krejci, Pasta and Zacha to be this productive
@@sean2015 to be fair the 2 against edmonton in 80s , who could actually beat that juggernaut... 2013 a break down in game 6 with 2 min left , 2019 we got bullied by the blues , ans still went 7....once this team starts playing a full 60 consistently look out
What is equally terrifying to me is from game to game the Bruins can beat you with virtually any line, any players. Teams just don't know how to deal with that. All that and knowing, as an opponent... you're feeling more pressure than they are. Good luck.
Agreed. The coach has really gotten the most out of the depth players so far..
@@hockeypsychology It also really helps when you regularly have a player like Taylor Hall on your 3rd line which is just nuts when you think about it.
Facts bro!! The Bruins can also beat you in any style of game you want to play this season. You wanna open it up? You want to play physical? You want to play stingy tight D? No Problem. They have beaten teams in a variety of different ways this season. A team that can play like that is a very DANGEROUS team!!
The BossTown B-ruin-ers are the most dominant team I’ve seen since the 70’ & ‘72 Bobby Orr Cup winners especially in 3rd period goal differential! BRUINS ALL THE WAY TO HOISTING THE CUP! The Beasts of the East…and West. BIG BAD IS BACK!
Lollllll
Foligno has been awesome and his leadership cannot be understated. Having a guy like him on your fourth line is an insane advantage at depth.
The importance of Foligno as an addition to the leadership group here in Boston can't be understated. Last year dealing with injuries he may not have had the same impact in the room, but with his better play this year and all the good graces as a locker room guy built up last year it feels like he's better able to inspire this team to get points. The excitement Foligno has for his teammates performing well and their excitement for him is a feedback loop that results in things like his speech in the locker room after the 2nd period of the Winter Classic resonating and daring others to play better. They dominated that 3rd period. Fliggy4life.
Fr he’s a huge glue guy in locker room.
I've been impressed with him this year. That dude doesn't take shit from anybody! Haha
Foligno has stepped up big time this season. Goals, chirps, fights and hits. Love this squad
@@tyleryt5950 yeah and got injured for leafs when gave up picks for him
All I can say is that I've been a Boston Bruins fan my entire life and I was born in 1971 I will never forget meeting Tim Thomas at gutterson Fieldhouse at uvm.I used to think that the fun thing was the New York Giants coming up to that area to visit us and then I got older and realized how awesome the sport of hockey was and how awesome my Boston Bruins were and I only had to wait until I was late 40s early 50s for my team to look like this? That's a once in a lifetime option I'll take every time. Great video!
Thats a fantastic story... Thank you for sharing.
Believe it or not this year's Bruins team is doing better than the Bobby Orr era teams. And, that's saying something.
@@redsox4life ive been in awe since week 1.
wtf happened to Blaine Lacher and Joe Juneau?
@@jonathanschadenfreude9603 , the goaltending has been very solid. If the Bruins win the Cup, and I have a feeling it will happen, it will be because of the goaltending.
I doubted DeBrusk last year, but to his credit he had a really good final quarter of the season and with the coaching change he's continued to play hard, fast, skilled and responsible hockey. Foligno bouncing back and Krejci's return are big. Adding Greer for toughness helps Frederic relax a little as well. It's been an amazing season so far. Goalies are killing it as well!
Thks to upload and explanations. As a Bruins fan, hope to win SC this year. Greetings from Japan.
Montgomery is playing chess - switching up lines and schemes to breakdown opponent's strengths and exploiting their weaknesses. I'm loving every minute of this season's Bruins.
Great video, love the point about activating the d men to create confusion. I felt the Avs' perfected that last season, especially seen through Cale Makar, and was a main factor in them going all the way. Exciting how the game progresses and changes.
Over the summer, I remember being really upset when I heard Cassidy got the can. I was skeptical of Montgomery’s coaching, especially going into the first game of the regular season, considering our average 3-3 preseason record and our missing players (Marchand, McAvoy, etc.) but then after the 5-2 win in Washington, I remember thinking “this Bruins team isn’t the same as we were last year or during the preseason” and that’s when i realized Jim Montgomery was an even better replacement than Cassidy. Let’s go Bruins!
I had the exact same thought during the opener. I even texted my friend to see if he was watching and responded simply "The boys look GOOD." I've never seen a Bruins team like this before and I've been an avid fan since the early 90s.
Playoffs are a different animal but whoever plays the bruins is on their A+ game every night they are not beating this team. Bruins can turn it on in the 3rd and come back from ant deficit its scary. never seen a team like this.
A healthy Avalanche team can beat them!
@@jacobalan9109 I agree
Only teams who stand a chance against Boston is avs and Tampa . Realistically .
IMO the hurricanes are the only team that could beat this team
@@jacobalan9109 how do you know? You lost kadri and has newhook step in and hasnt been good. Landeskog and mackinnon coming back would make them very good but who really knows if they would be a contender? Its hard to repeat especially when youre a worse team this year than you were the last regardless of health
The main reason is he is balancing the lines. Instead of stacking the top line and leaving the other lines bare he has two solid players in each of the top 3 lines. Hall on the third line who’s gonna stop that? This also gives DeBrusk, Frederick and Zacha the opportunity to achieve more because they are playing with great line mates.
this aged well
I've been a Bruins fan since 1967. So proud and grateful to see them win the 2011 Stanley Cup in my home city of Vancouver BC (still embarrassed about the riots). The performance of this year's team is truly remarkable. I had no expectations prior to the start of this season. Thank you Jim Montgomery!
..yes but also if you consider the players and what they are capable of; I kinda knew that they could be insane good. I was worried about goaltending. Now, this year feels magic. In a world that could use the some grace.
I felt the same, i felt sad, no tuuka, no chara, inuries, head coach change, and yet we've been off to a great start and we can keep it going
Jim didn't do anything its the player
@@ryguy8888 he activated the d more
As a Canuck fan, the part of me that loved hockey died that day lol
They have 8 losses in 40 games. Let that sink in. This is unreal.
(Im not a bruins fan for those wondering)
I'd be interested in your take on Seattle's success this season. This take on Boston was highly entertaining and informative.
As a Bruins fan I am so impressed how good this Seattle team looks. They may barely miss the playoffs this year but look out the following year!! They are headed for great things!
I’m a Ranger fan and can tell you there’s no way the Bruins wont be champions this year. They’re just way too good this year and unbeatable!
I certainly hope they do raise the Cup again. The season is only half over which means the grind is just beginning. Their play during games suggests they should continue to do well; relatively tight contests where they outscore everyone in the third period. The variable? Injuries. They stay healthy throughout, their chances go even higher...
@@billyboblillybob344 Unfortunateky to me and other Ranger fans, the Bruins are already champions. Can’t see them losing 4 out of 7 games to anyone. I feel they will walk through the playoffs. And again; as a Ranger fan, it hurts SO much to say that, but honesty is honesty ya know?!? 🤦♂️
As a bruins fan I gotta tell u guys that I have never wanted rangers fans to be right more than I do right now reading those comments
@@Grampa84 Wow I forgot about this post cause it’s so old and aged so well 😝 Well, the Bruins pleased us with the most embarrassing choke in NHL history, if not all of sports history last year, but don’t worry, I believe the Panthers will take first place in the biggest choke category today 😬 Let’s go Oilers!
Their puck possession in the offensive zone is so impressive!
He spelled offense wrong 😑
This is why I would consider Jim Montgomery for Jack Adams, not only because of how well is team was playing, but they were missing a few core pieces to start the year. He has changed this team in ways not everyone looks at.
Interesting take. Really liking this edition of the B's. Let's see how they fare in the postseason - looking forward to that.
Video was very well done. Full of facts and no bs. Keep up the good work.
Not to mention they might be one of the most mentally tough and resilient teams I’ve ever seen. How many games have they fell behind by multiple goals early and either forced OT or comeback to win? You can’t put this team away in two periods, you need to play all three
This comment needs to be pinned near the top because it’s 💯
Best Bruins team I've seen in 35 years! I love what I'm seeing this season
Best I've seen since the 70's and The Big Bad Bruins days.!
Watching Bruins play is a pure joy, every piece of the puzzle fits perfectly, the whole team seems to have a perfect chemistry, once again, it's a pure joy and celebration of the fantastic game, that ice hockey is.
The B's activating their D has been great; however their goalies have bailed them out stopping breakaways countless times. That is slightly worrisome when playing playoff teams every night. Montgomery deserves tons of credit, but having Krejci has done wonders for their center depth.
Brad Marchand recently commented the B's aren't necessarily blowing teams out every night; they just find a way to be on top at the end. So with league parity, Carolina and yes Toronto pose a threat in the East.
Oh and Ullmark pronounces his first name "Lee-nus."
Love the videos, keep up the great work!
Check the goal difference tho... by far the best in the league too
@@rorymccaughan4067 that tends to happen when you're a .800 team regardless of actual score-lines. Alot of B's games this year have been 1-2 goal games and sometimes they get an empty netter to make it 3. They aren't blowing out teams every night like you'd expect a 32-4-4 to be doing. Although I'd argue that's a good thing since they'll be ready for real gritty games once the playoffs come around.
When you have one of the best penalty kills, one of the best power plays, the best goalie in the league statistically, and every single player producing, it’s not surprising that they’re winning games. Tell me how many times goalies have bailed their teams out in major playoff games. Would you then say that team isn’t good because the goalie bailed them out? Wins are wins at the end of the day
The B's do however have the most goals for AND the least goals against in the league. They only have 7 more goals scored than the next closest and 15 goals against less than the next closest. They aren't running away with super high scoring but couple that with great defense and goaltending.... that's the reason they are the best team in the NHL right now.
I highly doubt Toronto will be a factor.
I've been watching the Bruins since 1957. First game for me and Willie O'Ree the 1st man of "color" to play in the NHL against the then "hated" (Habs) Montreal Canadians. I remember when my personal favorite Bobby Orr was a mere rumor in the minors and fresh off the farm, but...this team here is the best I have ever seen. The best balanced team to date which includes speed, defence and resilience. My favorite team previous to this one were the Esposito and Orr lead teams. If this team continues the way they are and win the Cup the crown will be placed on this team's head as the best Bruins team ever in my opinion. To success my guys.
I've been watching the Bruins since I was 14 years old. I'm now 66. I've been to quite a few games this season. It feels different. There's electricity in the air. I do believe Jim Montgomery is the glue holding it all together. I sat 5th row, right next to the glass when they played Toronto on January 15th. It was the same kind of excitement from the Bobby Orr days. What exciting hockey!!! Great job, everyone! (slow, methodical) 👏.... 👏.... 👏.... 👏....
I was born in 1964 and I got a 3 month old puppy around May of 2011 and I wanted to name him either Boston or Bruin if the Boston Bruins got past Tampa Bay to make it to the the Stanley Cup which they did but we ended up naming him Simba because my youngest son and I could not agree on a name so he came up with the idea for us to pick our top 3 names put the names in a hat and whichever one matched we would name the puppy that name and both of us had Simba as a match for our top 3 names.
Simba is still alive and well and still has a lot of puppy left in him and hopefully he will be able to see the Boston Bruins win their second Stanley Cup in his lifetime. Maybe then I'll nickname him Boston; "Simba Boston" or "Boston Simba"
I call him Saint Simba now because he is a Saint. He's a great dog and looks just like a Black Mouth Cur.
The sheer fact that *Taylor Hall* anchors a *THIRD* line is enough to scare the hell out of pretty much any team- who has forward depth to that level? I’d argue nobody.
You said the bruins have the same team but you forget one of the biggest pieces was missing last year. A true 1b center in krejci. Dk47 controls the play so well and slows it down when needed. No disrespect to haula but he's nowhere near the level of krejci. Getting zacha as a 1 for 1 while getting dk back is a+
zacha is literally a younger kjrej, a solid replacement. but how do you replace the unreplaceable in bergeron? only player i see that even resembles his style is horvat. and even with his more offensive upside he doesnt hold a candle to bergy
@@charliebernier4943You don’t replace Bergeron. It’s a hard pill to swallow but it’s the truth.
As life long Bruins fan I appreciate this video. They certainly are playing really well. Dare I say it reminds me of the 2011 season.
2 different teams 2011 the bruins had 11-12 fighters , this team support
As a bruins fan this is totally different teams we won in 2011 from wearing down our opponent in the playoffs we weren’t a powerhouse like this
@@McMold You are right on, the 2011 team's talent was not no where near this years team. During the 2011 season and especially the Stanley Cup playoff, other teams do not take liberty with the Bruins players because they have player that other teams would have to answer to. I remember saying to a friend, watch out for other teams, they will learn from this Stanley Cup victory for the Bruins. Other teams got more physical while the Bruins did not. The last time the Bruins went to the final, the team took a beating all thru the playoff. By the time they got to the Stanley Cup series, they were one battered team! No chance of winning!
@@slaptree yup we were the more skilled team I’d say in 19 but we got beat up it’s a whole different game in the playoffs
@@slaptree still gonna enjoy this season but I hope we add a big shutdown defenseman in case Carlo gets hurt again cuz it’s gonna be a tough series if we go against Tampa in that 2nd round
I know this Bruins team was different when we came back from down by 2 to Carolina early in the season to win. The old Bruins would've cowered over and died, but not this team. We're something special
proud to be from Boston
I'll throw my hands up and say I was 100% wrong about firing Cassidy. Yes, he's got Vegas on a cup run which I guaranteed would happen, but I wanted Sweeney and Neeley's heads on pikes after last season and expected this year to be the window slamming shut.
Instead we're the best hockey team I've ever seen. Ever.
Depth,depth,depth
The Bruins record speaks for itself; Montgomery has absolutely made the difference. As a bruins fan since the 1960's........this is by far THE best and most exciting Bruins team I have ever watched. The core team of Bergeron, Marchand, Pasternak, McAvoy, with their additions of Debrusk and others that make up 4 stellar lines; then the two best goalies in the league and the best head coach: the only thing between this Bruins team and the Stanley Cup: Desire and Focus!!!
And Florida.
Can’t wait for the next gam-oooooh…. Never mind 🥹
No, this is NOT essentially the same team as last year. The GAPING hole on last year's Bruins team was 2nd line center. Charlie Coyle is an EXCELLENT 3rd line center, but he is a BELOW AVERAGE 2nd line center, so getting Krejci back makes both the 2nd AND 3rd lines exponentially better. The next HUGE difference is we get a full season of a TOP PAIRING DEFENSEMAN in Hampus Lindholm! He is a HUGE upgrade over Matt Gryzelcyk, who again is a great 2nd pairing D-Man, but is a below average top pairing d-man. Now add Pavel Zacha for Eric Haula, and factor in Nick Foligno's resurgence, and you have a different team. Yes, the coach is an upgrade too, and players like DeBrusk, as you pointed out, welcomed a change. Jim is doing a great job, as Boston was already a defensively sound team. He's just opened up their offense, so the team relies a bit more on goaltending, but with the explosive offense, it's been a great move.
I agree with Jim being a key to the B's success, however, the B's have had outstanding goaltending from both Swayman and Ullmark. Other teams have out-shot and out-played the B's but the B's still pull out the W so lots of the credit should go their way. I can't help but feel that the B's will go all the way because this year it doesn't seem to matter if someone important is out because of injury or another isn't playing well because the rest of the team always pitches in and gets the job done.
As a Stars fan, I want to see them in the final. If Stars don't make it, I want Monty to go all the way.
Agreed 👍. I had made a preseason prediction about Jim turning the PP. around. Which I think helps a team in so many ways. 🤞🏻
They've won 32 out of 40 games so far. They have yet to lose back to back games. Their worst 7 game strech all season has been 4-3. 32-8 overall is the equivalent of winning 8 different 7 game series averaging 5 games a series. It would take an epic collapse for this team to not go all the way because right now they're unstoppable
True, but playoffs are a whole different beast.
was originally very disappointed in cassidys removal but it has become inarguably prevalent that monty is the man behind this years team
Marchand didn't even smile after scoring that goal in the video. He probably feeling 'It shouldn't be this easy'.
This could be the rangers if our coach didn't try to snub out all of our first round pick young talent for has beens with rings. Goodrow passed to an opposing team breakaway and lost the game and he still starts him over the young talents and healthy scratches first overall picks.
Maybe this is why Gerard Gallant is relieved a lot from decent teams.
Best regular season in the history of the league and they were up 3-1 in the series 😆😆😆😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣
Been a Bruins fan since 1990, this is one of the best teams I've ever seen, period. They're playing like a well oiled machine. As long as the parts keep working, the sky's the limit.
Cassidy is a great coach and I dont know the behind the scenes but I feel he handcuffed players to a certain role like D man are always static to stick to the blue line so on and so on. Now I feel montgomery is listening to players and how they want to play and placing them on the correct line. Debrusk having more goals because of the netfront presence during powerplay and lindholm playing more offensive. Also feel like the players are genuine friends which can be a good and bad thing. Even berg said this team is something special and last time he said that they won the cup. I can see a deep run in this team and hopefully a cup to bring home
Krejcis successful return has been massive too.
Anything can always happen in the wild world of sports and especially the fast paced game of hockey, but I'm looking for the Cup to come back to Boston this season... GO BRUINS!!!
My friends said i cant go to another bruins game because my first one was the sabers game :(
Let's not forget the 2nd line. Krejci Zacha
Marchand "They fill that gap" Haula as good as he is just wasn't gettin it done last year.. Great trade!!
Montgomery is fantastic!
Habs fan...but always had deep respect for Bostons hockey heritage, organization, fans etc. Great hockey club. Hate to lose to Boston, but when we are out I hope they win.
It's gotta be pretty intimidating to get destroyed by a core of players that are over 35 years old, and then Pasta.
I agree immensely, I'm certainly hoping as a lifetime Bruins fan that they go all the way this year.
I've always supported the Bruins thru good and bad. I see extreme potential this year.
Welcome back David Krejci too
Would love an analysis like this regarding DJ Smith and the Sens as an interesting juxtaposition to this video. This comment from Nashville’s assistant coach could be a great starting point/hook, “They’re really good at making scramble plays… it’s not always structural for them.”
Thanks for your vids @hockeypsychology
Even though this is the Bruins best season in franchise history, this is the most nervous I’ve been about the playoffs for them.
Intelligent offensive strategy discussion! Maybe that’s why Pasta is constantly wide open on the left dot for one of his laser one-timers.
I've been a Bruins fan my entire life, yes they've been pretty consistently good for the last decade or so, but I can't remember the last time I've seen them this complete. There hasn't been a game all season that they've gone into the 3rd period and I've said to myself "oh well, we'll get them next time", even the shutout the other day against Seatle. There has always been questions about certain positions or situations where they just never seemed to be able to get it done, that has all changed this year.
When you don't even mention having a first overall 40 goal scorer in Taylor Hall on the 3rd line, that's a sign the team is a beast.
Taylor Hall is good but super overrated. He has never scored 40 goals, and was only on pace for 40 once in his career, 2017-18. He’s on a 53 point, 23 goal pace this year, nothing to scoff at, but don’t act like he’s still a top 50 player in the league
@@DarkLobster69 excuse me, 39 goals in 76 games. Either way on 95 percent of teams he's a first or second line wing. That was the point of my comment.
It was a healthy change for Cassidy as well, seeing that the Knights had been tearing it up in the West. Hopefully they won't burn out after the All Star Games
Dallas misses this guy. Glad he’s doing well in Boston
This team is so fun to watch. They can be down 2-0 in the first period and as a fan, you aren't even slightly worried. You almost know without doubt that they will come back. I don't think there's a team in the NHL that can beat them in a 7 game series.
Uhlmark and Montgomery are two top reasons. Another I observed was the power play used to be a one trick pony to Pasta, there is more luck movement in the power okay resulting in less predicability.
Finally seeing Debrusk flourish under Montgomery is great I feared Cassidy would stagnate the careers of Kuntar, Lysell, and other young prospects in our Pipeline.
As a fan of the Bruins since I first got into hockey in the eighties (believe me that was a real effort in the UK back then!) I can’t begin to express how much this team excites me. Obviously it’s only in the internet age when I’ve been able to watch regularly, but even since we started getting half decent coverage in the late 1990s, I can’t remember many teams let alone Boston teams that have been this good 🤔
It says something when you consider how good that team was in the late 2000 and early 2010s under Claude Julien, especially when we managed to get people like Recchi and take real depth into the playoffs to ultimately win the cup. If anything that team should maybe have won another cup, but it wasn’t to be, not least because of the brilliance of that Chicago team with players like Kane, Sharp, Toews, Hosea and Handzus when they edged out the AB’s in 2013.
As good as that lot are, I still say this team is better than them. What I love is that the defence attacks and the attack defends. And he will switch lines round deliberately to exploit a weakness. There is a nominal first line, but they might individually find themselves on the second or even third line, and they all seem to know how to adapt to each other almost seamlessly 😎
In Dutch football (yeah I know, soccer 😉) they always talked in the 70s about ‘totaalvoetbal’ or ‘Total football’, where there is a fluidity in the lineup so that every player in the team is at least competent in all positions so that if, say, a defender wants to maraud forward and confuse the opposition defence, other players could easily slot into their place and plug any defensive gaps should the opposition gain possession and counter attack. This is what I see in this team, Total Hockey 🏒 And I am loving it 😍
Let’s win the cup for N°46. He is without doubt my favourite Bruin ever and I’d like nothing more than for him to get another workout hoisting Lord Stanley’s rose bowl above his head 🍀👍🍻 🐻 ⬛️🟨⬛️🟨⬛️🟨⬛️🟨⬛️🟨⬛️
Nah
@@jmag579: I think it’s what we call a ‘bottle job’ 🙈 Kudos to the Panthers 🐆
Long time Bruins fan, let’s wait until the playoffs
This team is definitely scary this year with so many improvements. I watched them all last year and the most disappointing thing was how they would get scored on with less than a minute left in the game. Argh! So frustrating! This year, however, it's the Bruins who are dominating teams in the 3rd! Scary indeed, but fun too!!
Here is their scariest stat - the Bruins lead the NHL in most goals and fewest goals allowed - yet only have 1 player in the top 50 in scoring (points) in the NHL. This is the most well balanced they have ever been and will beat you with 4 strong lines not just 1 like in previous years.
The main thing I see that different from this year to last is that the B's aren't taking 40+ shots from atop the zone. They are making quality plays in deep and only averaging high 20 to 30 shots. Goaltending is a lot better this year as well but virtually the same team as last year.
Yes, they have the best S%, only other closest team above 11% is Lightning
Totally agree with you on Cassidy. The B's seemed to run out of gas toward the end of the season and playoffs under Cassidy's system. The top line was toast because all year long they had been the only source of goals. The guys really seem to enjoy playing Monty's system and hopefully that will mean they're not burned out come playoff time. The other change I've noticed is Bergy he really seems to be having fun this year both as a player and team captain. He's smiling more and he's more vocal on the ice
well put man, welll put
Go B's!!! You're spot on. However Krejci, Zacha and Pasta prevent massive problems to other lines. Plus Lindhom was a HUGE signing last year. You are right. Montgomery was a great call.
Activating the points like they do makes it seem like they are on the power play a lot of the time in offensive zone
in 15 years of watching league games, i have never seen a team so intense
Im an old hockey player from Boston, I haven't seen a bruins team this good ever, and I watched the 70,71 bruins who were really good, this team has depth ant is balanced, here's a key, you don't see many odd man rushes against them, two on ones are deadly, they pick up trailers back checking, if they keep their play up like this, they could be one of, if not the best team ever, record wise. Go B's
Been a Bruins fan since 1970 and this team is as good as I seen in any of the decades since.
I can honestly say I never seen this coming this year by starting off the year to injuries to 2 key players in Marchand and McAvoy and a coaching change which to be honest, I was pissed off about. I liked Cassidy, but wow Monty has done it. Rejuvenated DeBrusk and brought Krejci back which is key. Doubt Krejci comes back with Cassidy. Not only that but we have superb goaltending from Ullmark which is huge! Bruins have been lucky in a long line of excellent goaltenders from Cheevers, Gilbert,Moog, Peters, Thomas even Rask to now.
Let's win one more for Bergy and Krejci, Go Bruins Go!!!
Bruins are loaded down to the Fourth line.
Their one weakness I see is sometimes getting trapped in their Zone for extended periods of time and trouble changing out tired players
The crazy thing is they’re probably gonna get even better and deeper come the trade deadline
Boston’s Home.
but i live in Tampa⚡️
looking forward to Thursday!!!🎟🎟🎟
I think coach Montgomery brought out the best in all the bruins players in the practices and its transitioning into games cause the bruins teams confidence is through the roof and the players gelled as a team and ullmark is playing lights out as a goalie. I hope my bruins can end the playoffs with a cup win come June cause they lost the cup finals in 2013 and 2019 but they shoulda won 2019 finals but st Louis had the better goalie that's why they won game 7 in June 2019 in boston like how bruins won game 7 in June 2011 in Vancouver.
I also think an underrated part of this team is the improved play from players such as Carlo, foligno, gryz, and even coyle. Along with Lindholm, these guys stepped up in a huge way when marchy and mcavoy were out earlier and haven’t slowed down either
No doubt. Hall, Coyle, Faligno were standing pylons, placeholders on their lines. Having them actively moving their feet and creating added 3 more players teams have to cover. Debrusk always hustled and always just missed scoring cause he was alone when pressing. Now there's more support and all 4 are factors on the ice.
You left Lindholm last, that is a big mistake on your part, He is an exceptional defenseman, Worth all the money he gets and more, Bruins got him for a song because he can get the puck out of the Bruins zone which they were lacking,Now "He's worth his weight in gold. DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE HIM EVER!!!
Avalanche could MAYBE beat em if they're healthy, and everyone shakes off the rust. But it's hard to tell without knowing how new pieces like malgin and erod would play when the team is fully healthy.
I remember when everyone was pissed about Cassidy being fired lol
I’m from Boston and a rabid Bruins fan. I couldn’t agree more. Total change this year compared to last year.
Boston is my hometown. I grew up watching the "Big Bad Bruins" of the 70's. They are hitting on all 8 cylinders! The communication is key.
The Bruins are a scary group right now. The lines are strong and solid from top to bottom and they haven't missed a beat since DeBrusk went down after the Winter Classic. I was a little worried when news of his injury broke, but the team just played on and won. We all know that the puck can take funny bounces and changes in direction to beat us, but I feel that this team has as good a chance as any team to get the Stanley Cup finals, if they can stay healthy and don't lose key players down the stretch. And, they have a couple of pretty good goaltenders.
who's keeping this team together and playing at this level?
#1 Ullmark
#2 Bergie
#3 Krejci
#4 Monty
Jake began to flourish January 2022- when Cassidy was forced to finally put him on top line and pasta on the second line - they both exploded. BEFORE Monty came in
Jake saved the bruins, probably saved pasta from leaving
But the number one guy behind our success now?
Ullmark
Linus came in injured after double hip surgery. Buffalo called him up early and he never recovered. The past year has been Boston rehabs, trainers, nutritionists, and massive support for his family, for the first time in his life/career
That's the difference between last year and this year - he's not playing injured for the first time in years
All the advantages 6'2" Jeremy swayman had all along! Only ullmark was older, extremely coachable
6'5" European trained Ullmark is the glue that's keeping us in games, and he will be responsible for talent coming back
Players don't have to play back on their heels when Linus is in net. His defensive lines can be actively scoring - that's what we were looking for in 2019, that's what Monty is doing.
He can't have his defenseman focused on scoring, without Ullmark
They have to hang back, play differently when Jeremy or Kieth are tenders.. They can't be focused on offense
And here's the litmus test- if Ullmark wasn't there? Pasta would likely leave this year.
You're not getting anywhere without an elite goalie -and they're all over 6 ft 4 in, European train - the last USA train / born goalie to get the cup? 1994! Thomas trained in Europe and came back a beast
Nobody in that locker room believed Jeremy was going to carry the bruins on his back. They are not that stupid!
But they kept the seat warm, kept the fans distracted - sold a lot of #1 jerseys and sold out home games.
Monty is doing what the players wanted done in 2019. He's carrying out the will of the 2019 Stanley cup boyz. He was brought in to be their voice
Cam Neely's mid-may interview made it clear - Cassidy was not a shoe-in for the next season. They were listening to the players voices... Fans were not listening, (probably cuz it was right after we got our butts kicked by the canes)
David Backes Dec 2021 interview (when he was not under NHL contract) spells out the issues players were having with Cassidy. Basically backing up Jake calling out the hypocrisy of "do your job follow the system... every player competes for their spot every day, nothing is a given"
we can hear directly what Backes predicted needed to be fixed- that Monty is now addressing.
Ullmark is now, and will will be the talent magnet that keeps veterans coming back, and Pasta in Boston
Monty is replaceable,
Ullmark (AND GOALIE BOB) are not replaceable.
We don't play different with sway in net..wtf you talking about? Have you heard the players? Obviously not...
Ullmark had no bearing on pasta staying
Your long winded posts are just biased bullshit meant to pump up your boy ullmark..
Ya, swayman is in the NHL for jersey sales and buts in seats? Hahahaha gimme a fuckin break..we've sold out hundreds of games in a row before sway was in the league.
.as if we wouldn't sell out if sway wasn't on the team...do you listen to yourself? Your an imbecile..
Canes didn't "kick our buts"..we lost by one game by one goal after sway came in to bail out ullmarks poor performance..(has he ever beat Carolina?).
Monty's replaceable?? That's a funny thing to say when he's the coach of the year hands down and the main reason we r rolling...
Please learn hockey gulch before posting more nonsense... getting sick of straightening you out
Phenomenal video and breakdown
I though it wasn't the coach! I actually liked Bruce. I was wrong! Getting the defense to participate more in the offense has been the key. Everyone is a part. Great strategy !
Apparently you don't remember the 2019 playoffs... He pissed off a lot of players micromanaging their intuition and hockey vision, refused to allow 46 and 88 to play together - we lost.
Those players want that cup back - Cassidy gave it away
"do your job follow the system.. every player has to compete for their position every day, nothing is a given"
He left Pasta on that top line failing, when Jake was calling out the hypocrisy of the coaching staff. Jake saved this team by shaking it up -
you think pasta was going to re-sign with the bruins with a micromanaging coach that doesn't allow his players to use their own instincts?
Do you not remember what happened to Milan lucic? His father suddenly died tragically, lost his mojo.. we couldn't get him back. He had to be traded. Nobody wanted that
Pasta just lost his son - he was losing his hockey. He wanted to be dropped down to the second line
Nope! Bruce knows better!
You stay there and fail boy!
Bruce did not play AHL prospects, didn't trust them -he left our trade cupboards bare. You've got to play your prospects to give them plus minus stats, NHL ice time so you got something to trade!
He left us with nothing!
benched Trent Frederick for taking on the caps? Humiliating him in front of the hockey world?
That was the last straw for me
Yeah - he's a great regular season/ahl coach. And listening to his recent interviews? He's talking more about trusting his players vision - he got the message
Nobody noticed, there was no love lost between Cassidy and Chara when big Z left.
Chara was not happy that Cassidy took David backes out of the 2019 playoffs. He wanted that grit on the ice - made Chara's job nearly impossible
Maybe it is the buy-in but they all seem to be playing at a higher level. Watching Marchie getting a pass off the face-off, rushing all the way down the left wing, and burning 3 or 4 guys for the back-hand goal was one of the best plays I've seen in a long time. That's also why fans of other teams hate Marchie!
These seasoned veteran cup winning players have been suppressed under the "do your job follow the system" coach
I'm amazed that no one remembers 2019 cup finals - that's where this is coming from. Cassidy gave away that cup - would not listen to his players. Would not allow them to use their own instincts and vision.
REFUSED to let pasta and Krejci play together.
David Backes Dec 2021 interview spelled it up pretty well, cuz he wasn't under NHL contract anymore. He was allowed to speak up, and he backed up Jake
I was so intrigued by the Bruins domination this year, that I decided to develop a team evaluation model using math/quantitative analysis and developed a metric to try and quantify both the coach contribution and the depth aspect, in addition to the goalies contribution and weighting, also discussed in this video and follow on comments. I am still tweaking, but currently the rank order is as follows, normalized to a scale of 100:
Bruins 100
Devils 42
Lightning 34
Jets 32
Maple Leafs 29
Rangers 28
Hurricanes 27
Stars 25
Knights 8
Because of this model output, I am surprised the Maple Leafs in the standings are higher than the Lightning, are there any other teams that should be considered? The Hurricanes have good coaching and depth but looks like the shots on net are not as accurate. Would be interested in any feedback. My prediction is the Lightning will bypass the Maple Leafs soon [within next couple of weeks] in the standings
Because Boston has been dominating other teams and the model reveals that huge delta above, I decided to see how this team is on track and compares to the best teams of all time. I used the NHL online survey and was very perplexed because not only did that survey have four Oiler teams in the top ten, but the subjective NHL survey ALSO had Edmonton 83-84 team ranked ninth and my model had that Edmonton team ranked above the other Oiler 84-85 team, which the NHL had as their #1 ranked team of all time. I can't even believe they had the Penguins 91-92 ranked SECOND on the best of all-time list, since the Penguins 91-92 weren't even close to the other teams on their NHL list, according to my model output. My model shows that if the Bruins can maintain their current winning percentage and dramatically improve on their goal differential, they are on track to be the second-best team of all time, following the dominate 76-77 Canadiens. Here is the output of the model thus far:
1 Canadiens 76-77: 96
2 Bruins (1970-1971): 79.75
3 Canadiens 77-78: 79.45
4 Bruins (2022-2023): 79.34
5 Red Wings01-02: 53
6 Edmonton 83-84: 52
7 Islanders 82-83: 44
8 Edmonton Oilers (84-85): 41
9 Oilers 87-88: 40
10 Oilers 86-87: 39.18
11 Red Wings 97-98: 38.29
12 Boston 2010 2011: 37
13 Penguins (91-92): 8
If there is interest I can break down some of the aspects of the overall order of merit above. What is interesting is of the teams above, only six teams have a winning percentage above 70% and only six teams (5 of the six that have the 70%+ Winning percentage); have a goal differential above 100; the Redwings had 71% WP, but only had a goal differential of 64, which reveals much more defensive focused. The Edmonton Oilers of 84-85 was the only other team over 100 goal differential that had a winning percentage under 70% but close with 68%. Also note, the NHL didn't even have the 70-71 Bruins in their top ten, which is another what is going on with the NHL subjective list ranking. That 70-71 Bruins team had a 78% winning percentage; the second of all time goal differential and one of the deepest teams ever. The two Canadien teams of the 70s and the 70-71 Bruins and this year's Bruins team is in a tier all by themselves as indicated above.
Damn straight they're scary....a good kind of scary. Love to see a well executed hockey game played by a team that loves to play. While I'm not a big Bruins fan, I do watch the games every chance I get (in the Lightning/Panthers market area, so not often) and wish them well...since at the beginning of the season some of the polls wrote them off.
There were many Bs fans who were extremely critical of Neely/Sweeney for letting "Butch" Cassidy walk. But now, in retrospect, it was a great move!
Good luck for the rest of the year.
I like what Boston is doing. Original 6 is always present
The most important is, how they will be able to translate their current dominance into the playoffs
by playing a full 60 minutes , lke they play in the 3rd period
Coaching is very important!
As a West Coast hockey fan, I obviously don’t see too many Boston Bruins games. I figured that the reason they’re so good this year was because they have the best defensive pairing in hockey in Linholm and McAvoy!
Not to mention, Bruins forwards are very responsible defensively.
Ullmark
Yeah - I'm in Alaska - it's kind of tough to catch my Boston bears
They limit our hotspots here - it's so controlling that it's difficult to catch them on the internet, and ESPN sucks up all our data!
Otherwise, we're looking at over $170 per month just to watch SOME hockey on satellite tv. We need four different channels to catch them now?
ESPN & Mickey Mouse are laughing all the way to the bank!
NHL better do something about this - they just set revenue records for Winter classic Jersey sales, they're about to hand #88 $88 million for the next 8 years of his life - and he might be worth it with all the hat tricks and whatnot
But I spent the entire game messing around with the ESPN app trying to watch his hat trick!
I'm hoping the players start to catch on - they're losing us. Pastas going to get $11 million dollars per year, and some of his biggest fans can't watch him anymore!
Let's wait till the playoffs before we get too far ahead of ourselves
I have been a Bruins fan since 1960 and I have never seen anything like this before from any Bruins team only Bobby Orr and the BIG Bad Bruins Days and from old comes close. The players and the coaching staff is fantastic. Pasta is on pace to score 80 goals. When I watch away games it's like watching home games. The fan support to the players must feel like every away game is a home game. When the fans in the away arenas our chatting lets go Bruins! Did someone say Stanley Cup?
My only worry now is peeking to soon. Also he didn’t mention out young D maturing these kids are mind blowing. I’ve been a fan for the same amount of time. Loved growing up watching WSBK ch 38.
3 teams I think have the BEST shot against the Bruins come cup time, Canes, Tampa, Avs. We can beat these teams but in a 7 games series these teams have great depth and core. Canes always seemingly being our kryptonite in recent years. Really rooting for some redemption from 2019 for Bergy, Krech and Marchy.
I think the bruins usually beat the canes except last season. The bruins will win the cup unless they have to play the lightning
@@lasttry99 they've handled Tampa pretty well so far this season
@@lasttry99 we have humiliated tampa this year. i would be more worried about the laughs than tampa.
@@counterfit5 I know but Tampa has had their number in the playoffs. The playoffs really is a different ballgame
@@charliebernier4943 only a matter of time before the leafs pull it off. Nothing last forever. I'm hoping they don't play them this year
It's nice to see the B's playing so well.
The last month of the regular season is when to watch who is peaking and streaking.
After all, regular season play is for entertainment, and the playoffs is the REAL season where everything suddenly changes.
The Bruins are an Absolute wagon and we are rollin baby!! This has been a special season so far and extremely fun to watch night after night!! At the end of the day all that matters is Playoff Success but I am just trying to enjoy this ride as something special is BRUIN in Boston!! Don't Poke the Bear!! Lets Go!! 💯
As a hockey fan, I really appreciate the Bruins organization.
As a leafs fan, I'm terrified
I have been a Bruins fan since I was Nine years old - 2023 58 years old, never ever have I cashed The Boston Bruins in for any reason, Boston keep Bruin Boys, we're going All the way 2023 💪🐻💛🖤🙌