Key Takeaways:
– Boston Bruins head coach, Jim Montgomery, has called on star player, David Pastrnak, to “step up” for the team’s decisive Game 7 against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
– Montgomery contrasts the performance of Pastrnak with that of Bruins’ captain Brad Marchand and underscores the need for Pastrnak to improve.
– Despite facing criticism, Pastrnak responded positively and is ready to spring into action in the crucial game, according to Montgomery.
– The decisive Game 7, which is scheduled on May 4, comes after the Bruins suffered two consecutive losses to the Leafs in the series, marking a potential second consecutive season of a first-round collapse for the Bruins.
Bruins Coach Calls Out David Pastrnak
Final games require star players to perform their best, and it appears the Boston Bruins’ head coach, Jim Montgomery, is keenly tuned into this fact. On May 2, he challenged highly-regarded forward David Pastrnak to raise his game to the level of Bruins captain Brad Marchand, whose performance so far has surpassed Pastrnak’s in the current series against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Montgomery’s Constructive Criticism
Montgomery, whose team stands on the brink of a second consecutive season of first-round exits, emphasized the importance of his star players becoming the best versions of themselves at crunch time. In a post-match press conference following the Game 6 loss, he elaborated, “Your best players need to be your best players this time of year. They need to come through with some big-time plays in big-time moments.”
Marchand vs. Pastrnak Performance
The coach credited Marchand for displaying this quality throughout the series and underscored the need for Pastrnak to follow suit. The numbers reflect this sentiment too – while Pastrnak has managed only four points, Marchand has scored eight in the series so far. The latter’s winning goal in Boston’s 3-1 win against the Leafs in Game 4 further underlined Pastrnak’s struggles.
However, Montgomery was keen to downplay the potential drama of his comments. His belief in Pastrnak’s ability to improve his performance is clear, and the feedback was communicated to him directly. The coach stated that the pair maintain a “healthy, communicative relationship.”
Possible Repercussions Beyond Game 7
Nevertheless, the Bruins are skating on thin ice. A loss in the decisive Game 7, following their first-round exit against the Florida Panthers last season, could trigger significant repercussions at all levels of the franchise. The Boston Bruins’ organization is known for its high standards, and two consecutive first-round collapses might not be taken lightly.
As Boston prepares to host the decisive game on May 4, they aren’t the only ones feeling the pressure. The Toronto Maple Leafs also have a lot at stake, with rumors suggesting their head coach, Sheldon Keefe’s future might be in jeopardy if they lose the series.
Looking Ahead
With the final first-round contest of the series slated for Saturday in Boston, the winner will face the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. It is clear that both the teams will bring their A-game, making it an exciting event to look forward to for the fans. As for the Bruins, Coach Montgomery’s rallying call to Pastrnak might just be the motivation the team needs to turn things in their favor.