The first-round series between the Boston Bruins and the Toronto Maple Leafs is now heading to Game 7. After a disappointing loss in Game 6, Bruins coach Jim Montgomery called out one of his star forward David Pastrnak and urged him to “step-up“.
The Bruins entered this game at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto with an aim to finish off the Maple Leafs and advance to the next round. However, a strong fightback from the hosts, who without their star man, Auston Matthews, clinched a valuable 2-1 win.
Needless to say, Montgomery was not pleased with the performance of the team. In the press conference, the Bruins coach would claim that the team’s best players need to play better in this situations. He would later compare David Pastrnak with Brad Marchand and claim that the captain has done his part.
Your best players need to be your best players this time of the year. I think the effort is tremendous. They need to come through with some big-time plays and big-time moments. I think Marchand has done that in the series. Pasta (David Pastrnak) needs to step up. Jim Montgomery said as per TSN Sports.
So far in the playoff, Pastrnak has collected just four points (two goals and two assists). In the past two games he has been unable to make any good impact which has left his coach furious.
Bruins face chances of scripting unwanted sporting history in Game 7
In sports leagues across the US, there have been several teams who have come back from a 3-1 deficit to win the best-of-seven series. After this Game 6 loss, the Bruins now face the chance of scripting an unwanted piece of sporting history.
No team in the NHL, NBA or MLB has ever blown a 3-1 series in two consecutive seasons. After taking a 3-1 series lead against the Florida Panthers last year, the 2022-23 Presidents’ Trophy winners were eliminated by the Panthers after they claimed wins in Game 5, 6 and 7. A loss on Saturday against the Maple Leafs, will see the Bruins become the first team to get knocked out after having a 3-1 series lead in two straight seasons.
In the press conference after the game, Jim Montgomery would point out at the shortcomings of his team. The 54-year-old claimed that his team is not starting on time which is “unacceptable“.
You know, it's unacceptable, our start again. We've got to find a way to start on time, and we've just got to be better. Toronto, starting on time, they're getting the advantage, they have the momentum. I thought the last 30 minutes we pushed back really well, but it shouldn't take that long. Jim Montgomery said.
The momentum is now certainly on the side of the Maple Leafs who are doing this without Matthews. Whether the forward will be part of the team on Saturday is still unconfirmed. A start for him which likely boost the confidence of the Canadian side who will be aiming to pull off a historic comeback against their rivals.
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