Announcement: Boston Bruins GM Jim Montgomery Denies Responsibility: “I’m Not to Blame”
In a surprising and candid statement, Boston Bruins General Manager Jim Montgomery has publicly denied any responsibility for the team’s current struggles, asserting that he is “not to blame” for the recent downturn in performance. Montgomery’s comments come amid growing frustration from fans and analysts following a series of underwhelming results that have left the Bruins with a lackluster start to the season.
After the Bruins’ 3-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning last night, which marked their fifth consecutive defeat, Montgomery addressed the media, defending his decisions and positioning himself as a supporter of the team rather than the cause of its troubles. “I’m not going to sit here and take the fall for everything that’s happening,” Montgomery said in his brief but pointed remarks. “This is a team effort, and we’re all in this together. I’m not to blame for what’s going on right now.”
The Bruins’ recent slump has been especially puzzling given their success last season, where they finished with the best regular-season record in NHL history. Many had hoped the team would continue its dominant play, but the 2024-25 season has seen them falter. Questions have arisen about whether Montgomery’s coaching style is starting to lose its effectiveness, especially as Boston struggles to find consistency on both sides of the puck.
When asked about his decisions regarding the roster, Montgomery was quick to defend his actions. “I’m making decisions that I think are best for this team, and sometimes those decisions don’t pay off immediately,” Montgomery said. “We’re dealing with injuries, and there’s a learning curve for some of the new faces on the team. But at the end of the day, it’s about execution. We’re just not getting it done on the ice.”
While some have pointed to questionable trades and acquisitions as contributing factors, Montgomery insists that the changes made were necessary for the long-term success of the team. He specifically referenced the addition of new players like forward Evan Rodrigues and defenseman Dmitry Orlov, claiming that their integration into the system was always going to take time.
“We brought in new pieces because we believe in the direction we’re heading,” Montgomery explained. “It’s a work in progress. I’m not going to sit here and take the blame for things not coming together as quickly as people expect. This is a marathon, not a sprint.”
Despite Montgomery’s defensive posture, the pressure is mounting on him to turn things around. With the Bruins currently sitting in the middle of the Eastern Conference standings, ownership and fans are beginning to wonder if changes need to be made, either on the ice or behind the bench.
“We’ve got a strong group of guys in that locker room, and I know we’re capable of better,” Montgomery concluded. “I’m not pointing fingers. We’ll get back on track. It’s on all of us to make that happen.”
As the season progresses, it will be crucial to see how Montgomery’s leadership fares in addressing the team’s recent struggles, with the Bruins’ hopes for another playoff run now hanging in the balance.
