Paul Bissonnette makes feelings absolutely clear on Bruins' front office's role in slow start to season 

NHL: Boston Bruins at Chicago Blackhawks - Source: Imagn
NHL analyst Paul Bissonnette shared his opinion on Bruins's slow start to 2024-25 NHL season (Credits: IMAGN)

NHL analyst Paul Bissonnette shared his candid thoughts about the Boston Bruins's slow start to the 2024-25 NHL season on The Pat McAfee Show on December 11. He primarily considered the role of the front office in the team's struggles, pointing to the team’s management's poor handling of the goalie situation and offseason signings.

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Bissonnette acknowledged the talent of coach Jim Montgomery (120-41-23), who had a strong record in his first two seasons, including winning the President’s Trophy in 2022. However, the team's struggles led to a coaching change, with Joe Sacco taking over on an interim basis.

"(Bruins) Told Sacco, be prepared to take over the team part way through the year if things don't necessarily get off to a hot start, Montgomery has the best winning percentage the last prior two seasons. They won a President's Trophy..." Bissonnette said.
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Paul Bissonnette expressed concern about the premature trade of goaltender Linus Ullmark, which resulted in confusion in the goaltending arrangement involving Jeremy Swayman and others.

"You have a little bit of a slow start..." Biz said, "after you just fumbled your goalie situation by dealing Ullmark too soon, and then messing around with Swayman. And then you make the signings...and then you're kind of throwing your coach under the bus."
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The NHL analyst also expressed frustration with the management's handling of the situation, suggesting that their fumbling contributed to the team’s early difficulties. The team was 8-9-3 in its first 20 games this season.

"Listen, I have no issue with management in Boston, but I think that there was a little bit of fumble going on with what they had to take care of and they should be part to blame for that slow start." Biz added.
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Since the coaching changes, Boston has won seven of their last ten games, improving their record and position.

Boston Bruins's area of improvement this season

Boston Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov (91) skates away from Winnipeg Jets. (Credits: IMAGN)
Boston Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov (91) skates away from Winnipeg Jets. (Credits: IMAGN)

The Boston Bruins have had a mixed 2024-25 NHL season. They are 15-12-3, with 33 points, ranking third in the Atlantic Division. The team scores 2.53 goals per game and allows 3.17 goals per game. Their power play is ranked last in the league at 12.7 percent, and their penalty kill is 77.4 percent.

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Brad Marchand leads the team with 11 goals, while David Pastrnak has the most points (28). Despite some wins, the team has struggled with consistency and special teams performance.

The Boston Bruins’s recent improvement shows that the team is finding its footing under Sacco’s leadership despite the early-season turmoil. However, Bissonnette believes the front office should share some blame for the rocky start.

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Edited by William Paul
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