The Boston Bruins became the first NHL team to fire a head coach this season, parting ways with Jim Montgomery on Tuesday.
The decision, which would have been a shock six weeks ago, became inevitable as the Bruins struggled across the board. The team has faltered in scoring, defending, special teams, and discipline -- falling well short of the standards set in recent seasons.
Montgomery's departure seemed imminent after a heated bench argument with captain Brad Marchand last month and his controversial decision to bench leading scorer David Pastrnak two weeks ago. Still, the optics of firing Montgomery are startling.
Montgomery, who was hired before the 2022-23 season, led the Bruins to a remarkable 120-41-23 record during his tenure, including an NHL-record-setting regular season last year. Dismissing a coach with the league's best record over the past two seasons is a rare move.
Despite their struggles, the Bruins sat in a playoff position with an 8-9-3 record in what's shaping up to be a tight race for the Eastern Conference's second wild-card spot.
Joe Sacco will take over as interim coach, but questions remain about the team's direction and whether general manager Don Sweeney will face scrutiny. Sweeney, who has held his role since 2015, constructed a roster that lacks speed and talent and has failed to meet expectations. Many of his decisions are being second-guessed.
Among them: the failure to sign No. 1 goalie Jeremy Swayman in time for training camp. Swayman's subpar .883 save percentage reflects a disappointing start. Offseason acquisitions, including center Elias Lindholm and defenseman Nikita Zadorov, have also underperformed in their first season on lucrative long-term deals.
While players such as Pastrnak, Marchand, Charlie Coyle, and Pavel Zacha have struggled, the responsibility extends beyond the bench and into the locker room.
A playoff turnaround remains possible, as many Eastern Conference teams are also struggling. However, Montgomery could soon resurface elsewhere, as coaching changes may become more frequent.
In the East, the Pittsburgh Penguins may consider firing Mike Sullivan as the aging roster fails to contend for a Stanley Cup. Similarly, the Detroit Red Wings, Ottawa Senators, and Buffalo Sabres -- teams hoping to snap playoff droughts -- are not taking full advantage of Boston's slump, leaving Detroit coach Derek Lalonde under pressure.
Elsewhere, St. Louis Blues coach Drew Bannister is on thin ice, and speculation continues around whether Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz could return to coaching if Andrew Brunette cannot turn the team's season around.