Tuesday night was a special one for Jim Montgomery. It was his first game in his hometown of Montreal since taking over as head coach of the rival Bruins this season.
It also provided a moment to take a step back and reflect on just how special Montgomery's first season in Boston has been, which captain Patrice Bergeron was happy to do both before and after the Bruins' 4-2 win, a game in which Bergeron scored the winning goal.
After the game, Bergeron was asked what he has liked most about Montgomery and whether he was aware that Tuesday's game was a little extra special for his coach.
"That's something he talked about," Bergeron said. "I love his communication. He always lets us know how he feels. Tonight, that's one of those nights, he did mention that it's a game that meant a little more to him because it's his hometown team and he grew up watching them. It speaks volumes of the connections he's making with the guys and the way that he coaches and his style. And letting us also take ownership and accountability in the locker room to make sure we're at our best."
Before the game, Bergeron had gone even more in-depth when asked what his relationship with Montgomery has been like over the six months since Montgomery was hired.
"It's been great," Bergeron said. "It's been great to have him and have those conversations and the communication. He does a good job with that, making sure he's always on top of things and asking questions. Obviously the players have a better pulse on the room, and he's always asking questions to me and the rest of that leadership group. It's great to have. I think he connects really well with his players. It seems like he always finds a way to understand what we're going through and whatnot. It's been great."
That communication that Bergeron highlighted multiple times was one of the first things everyone highlighted as a strength of Montgomery's over the summer. General manager Don Sweeney made note of his "ability to connect with all types of players" in the press release announcing the hire.
While there were some eye rolls at the time over the idea that Bruce Cassidy's message wasn't connecting with players anymore and that a different voice was needed, it has become clear this season that Montgomery's more positive, player-friendly approach has been welcomed in the room and has helped bring out the best in just about every Bruin up and down the roster.
It's hard to argue with the Bruins' 38-5-4 record and the fact that they're 14 points clear of the rest of the NHL.
