During a recent press conference after a 2-1 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins coach Jim Montgomery did not mince words when he singled out star forward David Pastrnak for criticism. Montgomery expressed the need for top players to step up in crucial moments, especially in a Game 7 situation where elimination looms large. While acknowledging the effort shown by the team, Montgomery specifically mentioned Pastrnak as someone who needs to deliver big plays in big moments.
Pastrnak’s performance this postseason has been lackluster, with only two goals and four points to show for. This is especially disappointing considering the strong start Boston had, holding a 3-1 series lead over Toronto. Despite opportunities in Game 6 to take the lead, the Bruins struggled to find the back of the net, allowing Maple Leafs winger William Nylander to seize the advantage with key goals.
One of the recurring issues for the Bruins in this series has been their slow starts, with Game 6 being no exception. A scoreless first period saw Boston outshot 12-1 by Toronto, setting the tone for a game where they had to play catch-up. Although the Bruins did find their rhythm later in the game, the Maple Leafs’ tight defense left little room for offensive creativity.
Failed Response to Adversity
Toronto’s resilience in the absence of star forward Auston Matthews seemed to energize the team, while the Bruins failed to match their opponent’s intensity. The lack of a next-man-up mentality on the Bruins’ part has been evident, with Montgomery expressing disappointment in the team’s inability to rise to the occasion. Similar struggles were seen in Game 5, where a slow start ultimately led to an overtime loss.
For the Bruins, the current situation against Toronto feels all too familiar, harkening back to last season’s collapse in the first round of the playoffs. Despite their regular season success, including winning the Presidents’ Trophy, the Bruins find themselves on the brink of another disappointing exit. Montgomery emphasized the need for a focus on the present and an urgent improvement in their performance moving forward.
David Pastrnak’s underwhelming performance in Game 6 has put him under the microscope, with coach Jim Montgomery and fans alike expecting more from the star forward. The Bruins as a team need to address their slow starts, lack of response to adversity, and historical demons if they hope to turn the tide in Game 7 and avoid a repeat of past failures.
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