Bruins Face Turning Point After Missing Playoffs for First Time in Eight Years

BOSTON, Mass. — The Boston Bruins are facing a sobering reality as they have officially missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in eight years after concluding the season with a disappointing record of 31-37-9. Their fate was sealed when the Montreal Canadiens secured a 3-2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday, pushing the Bruins out of contention.

This marks a significant departure from the Bruins’ recent history, having reached the playoffs in eight consecutive seasons, with three trips to the Stanley Cup Final and a championship victory in 2011. Their playoff drought comes after they finished 29th in the NHL in goals scored per game (2.62) and struggled with a power-play percentage of 15.1, placing them at the bottom of the league.

Several factors contributed to the Bruins’ lackluster performance throughout the season. A slow start was anticipated, particularly due to goalie Jeremy Swayman missing all of training camp due to a contract dispute. Swayman eventually resolved the issue just days before the season opener. Additionally, injuries affected key players, including a fractured patella that sidelined defenseman Charlie McAvoy for the entire season.

Boston head coach Jim Montgomery was let go after a series of disappointing games, including a stinging 5-1 home loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Nov. 19, which left the team at 8-9-3 at the time. Interim coach Joe Sacco emphasized that despite the team’s struggles, there were moments of fight and potential for improvement.

Certainly, individual performances shone through amid the chaos. Forward David Pastrnak distinguished himself with impressive numbers — 94 points (40 goals, 54 assists) — but received little assistance from the rest of the lineup. The nearest competitor on the score sheet was Morgan Geekie, who totaled 50 points, while Brad Marchand, who was later traded to Florida, notched 47 points before his departure.

“He’s had an incredible season, and to still be able to produce at that rate says a lot about him,” Sacco stated, acknowledging Pastrnak’s leadership and effort during the difficult season.

As the regular season comes to a close, the Bruins are also preparing for the 2025 NHL Draft, where they will have the opportunity to strengthen their roster. Currently, they hold the fourth position in the draft lottery order. This crucial rebuilding phase aligns with their plan to develop younger players and draft picks into future assets.

Looking ahead, the Bruins will face the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday, with the hope of building on a recent victory against the Carolina Hurricanes. Swayman, who recently secured his 100th career win with a stellar performance against Carolina, emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive outlook.

“We have to focus on what we can control and build on this win,” Swayman said. “We’re looking to improve every game and build that momentum moving forward.”