The Boston Bruins are set to kick off their 2024-25 training camp this Wednesday at Warrior Ice Arena, marking the beginning of a new chapter under third-year head coach Jim Montgomery. With key roster changes, including both notable additions and departures, GM Don Sweeney has made it clear what the focus will be as the Bruins prepare for the upcoming season.
Sweeney bolstered the team by signing top-line center Elias Lindholm, physical defenseman Nikita Zadorov, and adding grit and toughness to the bottom six. As training camp approaches, Sweeney issued a clear message about how Montgomery will run things on the ice.
Sweeney’s Message to Players Ahead of Training Camp
Reflecting on last season’s Stanley Cup Playoffs, Sweeney emphasized the noticeable difference between the Bruins and the Florida Panthers, particularly in terms of speed and physicality. The Panthers’ fast and tough lineup outmatched the Bruins, and Sweeney has addressed this by enhancing the Bruins’ physicality in free agency. Now, Montgomery is set to focus on improving team speed during camp.
“Early on, he [Montgomery] is going to want training camp to be at a certain pace,” said Sweeney. “If bigger guys can’t keep up, they’re not going to play.”
Looking back, Sweeney noted how a lack of speed may have cost teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs in their matchup against the Bruins last season. The message is clear: speed and physicality will be key components moving forward.
Speed and Physicality: A Focus for the 2024-25 Bruins
Heading into the new season, the Bruins are looking to compete with faster, more physical teams in the NHL. The lesson from last season’s Conference Finals is that speed was a critical factor for the final four teams. To match these contenders, the Bruins will need to integrate both speed and size, and Montgomery is expected to set that tone from day one of training camp.
With Sweeney and Montgomery aligned on this strategy, the Bruins aim to be a more dynamic and balanced team, ready to take on the league’s toughest competition.
Leave a Reply