BOSTON – The Bruins will probably be searching for their third straight win on Tuesday night time as their homestand continues towards the Ottawa Senators at TD Backyard. Boston is 5-1-1 over its previous seven video games and has re-taken the highest spot within the NHL standings with 95 factors (one level forward of the Rangers and Panthers) because the stretch run intensifies.
“For us, the plan all alongside was once we hit March, our focus is beginning to prepare for the playoffs,” stated coach Jim Montgomery. “I feel mentally we’re getting there. I do not suppose we’re executing on ice but like that. However you are still coping with the trials of the common season – not utilizing that as an excuse – however you see each staff within the league is dropping video games or successful video games that, in all probability, they should not due to their play.
“However that is what the common season does. It prepares you for the playoffs, but it surely does not put together you for sure components of the playoffs.”
Montgomery stated that over the ultimate 13 video games of the common season, he will probably be experimenting with completely different items all through the lineup to search out out the perfect match for Recreation 1 of the postseason.
“It isn’t a lot, see this man with that man,” stated Montgomery. “We’re looking for out the lineup that is going to present us the perfect success. The experimenting is looking for that lineup. And once more, for me, I am unable to say it sufficient. It is you play nicely, you are staying within the lineup the identical approach we function within the playoffs.
“We’re attempting to get that mentality now that if you get a possibility to be within the lineup the place there’s extra urgency to remain within the lineup.”
And whereas the Bruins are in the identical place standings-wise as final yr presently, they’re in a a lot completely different place in terms of their total method.
“This yr I discover myself pushing extra,” stated Montgomery. “Simply what we need to accomplish, how we’ll accomplish it. As a result of we’re preventing for playoff place, we’re preventing for residence ice…issues that had been already within the bag this time final yr. It is simpler to push, and gamers are extra receptive as a result of we all know we have to get higher. Final yr, we thought, we’re a well-oiled machine already.
“It’s a more healthy place for everyone. It is extra rewarding this yr, as a result of it’s a must to hold pushing, so it’s a must to work more durable as a workers and the gamers must work arduous, as a result of we have to proceed to get higher right here.”
