David Pastrnak Breaks Silence on Being Benched for the Entire Third Period

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Chris Gerics
November 4, 2024 (4:29 PM)

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David Pastrnak was benched for the whole third period on Sunday, and while he was still looking for answers, the Bruins star acknowledged he needs to be better.

During Sunday's game between the Boston Bruins and Seattle Kraken, superstar winger David Pastrnak was benched by head coach Jim Montgomery for the entirety of the third period, a message to both Pastrnak and his players to turn things around. Boston is sitting in the basement of the Atlantic Division and unlike the dominant team, we've seen for the past decade and a half.

It was Montgomery telling everyone they need to start picking up the slack and it doesn't matter who you are or what you've done, if you don't pull weight you won't play. Just ask Brad Marchand. Pastrnak's benching when Boston was leading is also a sign that you can't get complacent even with a lead. The Bruins gave Seattle ample opportunity to get back into the game, with Pastrnak being the reason why.

The Bruins star admitted he needs to be better, but isn't too focused on dwelling on what happened. Speaking with The Athletic, Pastrnak delved into his mindset over the last little bit:

«Got to be better,» Pastrnak said following practice at Warrior Ice Arena. «Take responsibility for being better. At the same time, I'm just moving forward today, focusing for another game tomorrow. Yesterday was yesterday. I never look back. Just came in today, worked on my game today.»

In regards to his terrible play with the puck which led to his benching, Pastrnak agrees that it was a bad error but wants to move on from it quickly:

«That was a bad turnover,» Pastrnak acknowledged. «I take responsibility for it. Accountability, I guess, is the best word. I just want to move forward. I don't want to be any distraction to our team. The guys know how I feel about them in here. It was a bad play.»

It's never fun if you're a coach to bench your star player, but Jim Montgomery is on the hot seat and if he doesn't turn things around, his job is on the line. Coaches will always be the scapegoat for players underperforming, and if Pastrnak and the Bruins continue to make these mistakes, it's going to cost them and their coach.

The Boston Bruins are in a tough spot and don't want to anger their fans with a disappointing season, but they also don't want to alienate their star players. Whether it's a coaching change or a roster change, Boston is no longer the team they were, and that's dangerous for the future of everyone involved.