Boston Bruins Coach Questioned After Disaster Against Ottawa Senators With Goaltending Decision
In a game that many hoped would be a routine win for the Boston Bruins, a series of questionable decisions left fans scratching their heads and analysts buzzing about potential consequences. On March 13th, the Bruins were handed a stunning loss by the Ottawa Senators in a game that saw Boston go down 7-2. What had started as a game with high expectations quickly turned into a nightmare for the Bruins, but one decision in particular, surrounding the team’s goaltending, has become the primary point of controversy.
The Bruins, who have been enjoying a standout season, were widely expected to come out on top against an Ottawa team struggling to stay relevant in the playoff race. However, Boston’s head coach, Jim Montgomery, made a move that will be remembered for all the wrong reasons — pulling starting goalie Linus Ullmark just 12 minutes into the game after the Senators had already scored three goals on him.
Ullmark, who had been one of the league’s most consistent goaltenders this season, seemed caught off guard by Ottawa’s early offensive onslaught. However, the quick decision to pull him from the game left many puzzled. Montgomery sent in backup goalie Jeremy Swayman, hoping for a spark, but the damage had already been done.
Swayman didn’t fare much better, as Ottawa continued to dominate offensively, adding another four goals in the second period. With the game all but over by the start of the third period, the decision to yank Ullmark so early raised several questions.
Was it a panic move by Montgomery, or was it a sign of larger concerns about Ullmark’s ability to handle the pressure? Bruins fans and analysts were quick to criticize the timing and reasoning behind the change. Many pointed out that Ullmark’s struggles, while noticeable, were hardly catastrophic. He had been solid for most of the season, and pulling him after a few goals could erode his confidence as a leader on the team.
Montgomery defended the decision after the game, citing the need for a change to stop the bleeding. “I thought the team needed a different look,” Montgomery said. “We weren’t executing well in front of him, and I felt a goalie change was the best chance we had to get back in the game. Unfortunately, we didn’t get the response we were looking for.”
However, the loss raised more concerns than just goaltending. Boston’s defense was caught flat-footed, and several players looked disjointed, failing to provide the kind of effort that has become expected from the team this season. It’s not just Ullmark or Swayman who will be scrutinized in the aftermath, but also the entire team’s performance, especially with the playoff race heating up.
For a team that has been near the top of the standings all season, such a lackluster effort was out of character. But the decision to pull Ullmark so early raised red flags about the team’s mental state and preparedness. Would the coach second-guess this decision in the coming days, especially with the postseason fast approaching?
The game wasn’t just a loss — it felt like a missed opportunity for a Bruins team that had been building momentum. As the league heads into the final stretch of the regular season, this disaster could serve as a wake-up call for the team.
With a critical stretch of games ahead, all eyes will be on Coach Montgomery and how he handles the aftermath. Was this simply an off-night, or does the loss signify deeper issues that could affect the team’s playoff hopes?
For now, Bruins fans will have to hope that their team can bounce back quickly, especially with tougher challenges on the horizon. The goaltending question will certainly linger, and Montgomery will be asked to answer for the early decision that led to one of the most unexpected outcomes of the season.
