Why David Pastrnak Feels ‘Guilt’ Over Bruins’ Coaching Change

BOSTON — There is no arguing that David Pastrnak is the Bruins’ best offensive player.

However, the 28-year-old sniper, much like the entire Bruins roster, has not been able to put together consistent play on the ice this season. As a result, Boston is off to an 8-9-3 start to the 2024-25 campaign.

The consequence? Don Sweeney fired Jim Montgomery and replaced him with Bruins associate coach Joe Sacco on Tuesday. Pastrnak gave a brutal honest assessment of the move after practice on Wednesday.

“Obviously, sad, and for us as players, it’s a tough day,” Pastrnak said. “You obviously feel a big part of guilt.”

Pastrnak continued: “Monty is a heck of a coach. He taught me and us a lot. So, obviously, it’s a tough day, and you feel a big part of guilt because, at the end of the day, us players are the ones performing out there, and we weren’t getting it done. And because we weren’t getting the job done, we lost a great coach and an amazing human being. So, it’s tough.”

Sweeney told the media he felt the Bruins were a bit “flat” in training camp and that it translated into the start of the season. Pastrnak couldn’t argue that point.

“Yeah, 100%,” Pastrnak said. “He sees it best from up there, and as a player, you’re focusing on, you know, putting your best foot forward in the beginning of the season and being good. It wasn’t always good enough. Definitely not up to our standards.

“It’s November, and we still haven’t got there. So we have a lot of work to do. But it’s always we think we’re going to get better as a group. We’re going to become more mature, and the compete level is going to go a lot higher than it has been until now.”

Boston plays its first game under Sacco on Thursday night when it hosts the Utah Hockey Club at TD Garden.