Jim Montgomery Explains Massive Shake Up To Bruins’ Forward Lines

After failing to record a goal and registering only three shots on goal in the third period against the Philadelphia Flyers in Tuesday night’s loss, Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery made some significant changes to the forward lines in practice.

The new-look lines skating at Warrior Ice Arena on Wednesday saw several forwards moving up or down the lineup, per The Athletic’s Fluto Shinzawa:

Johnny Beecher — Pavel Zacha — David Pastrnak
Brad Marchand — Elias Lindholm — Mark Kastelic
Max Jones — Charlie Coyle — Cole Koepke
Trent Frederic — Matthew Poitras — Justin Brazeau

The shakeup included breaking up the Bruins’ fourth line, which happens to be Boston’s most productive and responsible.

“Our fourth line has been our best line if you want to call it a fourth line,” Montgomery told reporters after practice, per team-provided audio. “The message to those three, and that was the most important message, was, ‘You guys are being split up to help the other guys be better. Not for you to become quote, unquote skill players.'”

Montgomery added: “I don’t want their games to change. I want them to play north. I want their work habits to rub off on other people so we can create more turnovers, create more opportunities.”

The Bruins bench boss added that he doesn’t necessarily want the forwards to play in a straight line on the ice.

“Our fourth line has made plays in front of the defensemen because they keep playing in behind,” Montgomery said. “Their speed, their relentless, people back off because of their speed. Now, they got room and time and space to make plays in front of them. That’s the way to play hockey. That’s the right way to play.”

One highly anticipated duo that has yet to gel offensively has been Pastrnak and Elias Lindholm. The pair have started all 10 games together but failed to be an offensive threat.

“I don’t know. It should work,” Montgomery said. “Two smart hockey players. Two players that see the ice really well. Two players that can shoot and pass. Two players that can skate. It just hasn’t materialized so we’re changing it up.”

The Bruins’ new-look forward lines should see action against the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday night. Puck drop from Lenovo Center is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, and you can watch all the action, following an hour of pregame coverage, on NESN.