Jim Montgomery doesn’t have an ‘answer’ for Bruins’ third-period struggles
"We just weren't good enough. You guys can write what you guys think is the malaise on the team and what's going on."
The Bruins have had several issues plaguing them amid a lackluster 7-7-2 start to the 2024-25 season.
But struggles in the third period have loomed large for a team that has long built a reputation for protecting leads and clawing back in crunch time over the last few seasons.
Saturday’s 3-2 overtime loss to Ottawa might have marked a new low point for the Bruins when it comes to their woes over the final 20 minutes of regulation.
Entering the third period, the Bruins and Senators found themselves locked in a 2-2 deadlock, with Boston burying a pair of goals just 15 seconds apart against Linus Ullmark in the middle frame.
After Mark Kastelic landed a shot on goal against Ullmark at 13:13 of the second period, the Bruins didn’t pepper Ullmark with another puck until Elias Lindholm tested him with a Grade-A shot just 13 seconds into overtime.
Yes, the Bruins closed out the entire third period with zero shots on goal — with Ottawa holding a 12-0 edge over those 20 minutes.
According to Kevin Paul Dupont of The Boston Globe, it stood as the first time the Bruins have logged zero shots in a third period since a game against the Vancouver Canucks on Dec. 21, 2006.
By the time Lindholm finally landed a puck in against Ullmark in extra time, it was a whole lot of too little, too late for Boston — with Brady Tkachuk firing a puck past Jeremy Swayman just seconds later to close out the win for Ottawa.
Speaking after the loss, a frustrated Montgomery could only offer up so much in a press conference that lasted 91 seconds.
“I don’t have an answer,” Montgomery said when asked why third periods have been an issue.
As far as what the team can do to figure things out?
“Talk about it,” Boston’s bench boss added. “We’ll look at why and what we’re doing sports science-wise. Right now, I don’t have an answer for you.”
While the Bruins have run into problems all season when it comes to generating offense, an already laboring approach in the O-zone has particularly dried up in the third period.
Through 16 games, the Bruins currently hold the worst third-period goal differential in the NHL (-11), while also holding the second-worst third-period shot differential (-41).
“Sometimes when you lack confidence or you’re overthinking the game, your execution is slow,” Brad Marchand said of Boston’s malaise in the third period. “We need to get out of our heads, stop thinking. Just start playing.
“Like I said, it comes down to will and compete at this point. We need to start understanding we need to be better. So that’s part of it. Sometimes, when you’re thinking about where you’re supposed to be, half a second late, it’s too slow in this league.”
The pressure continues to mount for the Bruins and Montgomery amid this early-season slide. Not only are the Bruins operating with high expectations after a busy offseason, but Montgomery also has the added stress of coaching on an expiring contract.
Montgomery was asked if he questions whether or not the Bruins have been listening to his messaging amid this slow start.
“No. I don’t question that,” he responded.
He then was posed another query about what has prevented that messaging from getting across to the players.
“That’s up for you guys to figure that out and come up with a reason,” Montgomery said. “We just weren’t good enough. You guys can write what you guys think is the malaise on the team and what’s going on. We’re just not playing good enough.”
That was it for Montgomery, who will look to right the ship for a Bruins team that has continued to take on water over the first five weeks of a new season.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com