The Boston Bruins have had a rough start to the 2024-25 season, holding the lowest winning percentage in the Atlantic Division with a 4-6-1 record over their first 11 games. Following an 8-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday, David Pastrnak—the team’s highest-paid player with an eight-year, $90 million contract at $11.25 million per season—commented on head coach Jim Montgomery’s recent lineup changes. Despite the team’s early struggles and slide to the bottom of the division, Pastrnak expressed support for Montgomery’s approach. With 8 points in 11 games, Pastrnak has been one of the few bright spots in Boston’s lineup so far and emphasized the team’s need for a stronger collective effort.
“Monty’s just trying to get us going,” Pastrnak told NESN. “The mixing lines, it happens. Personally, I have no problem with it. I can read off anybody. Right now it’s not about the combinations. We’re not good enough as a team, and that’s where it starts.” He stressed that the team must elevate their play if they hope to improve their standing and secure a strong playoff position. “We’re going to get out of it together. That’s the only way. We’re going to tighten up as a group.”
Montgomery, who won last year’s Jack Adams Award as the NHL’s top coach, now faces mounting pressure. Despite his own frustration with the team’s performance, he remains focused on adjustments to restore consistency and confidence. “Right now, nobody is happy with what’s going on,” Montgomery said after the loss. “It starts by sticking together and working. There’s no substitute for second and third effort.”
Though Montgomery is in the final year of his contract, Bruins general manager Don Sweeney confirmed in September that he had entered extension talks with him, though the status of those discussions remains uncertain.
