Coach Bruce Cassidy Opens Up About Bruins' Faults in Candid Interview
Former Boston Bruins head coach, Bruce Cassidy, left the team after six seasons, during which he faced criticism for not connecting well with younger players. Despite guiding the Bruins to six consecutive playoff appearances, the team decided to part ways with Cassidy, seeking a fresh direction following player feedback.
General Manager Don Sweeney explained the decision, stating, "I just felt that the messaging and the voice that was going to be required, I felt that we needed a new direction." Sweeney acknowledged that player feedback played a significant role in shaping his choice. He also expressed confidence in Cassidy's coaching abilities, anticipating future success for him in his next opportunity.
Cassidy didn't have to wait long for another chance, as he secured the head coaching position with the Vegas Golden Knights, leading them to a Stanley Cup victory last season. However, landing the job came with its challenges, as Cassidy had to address concerns about his previous tenure in Boston during job interviews.
During an appearance on the Cam and Strick Podcast, Cassidy admitted that some teams hesitated during the interview process, questioning rumors about his difficulties with player relationships in Boston. Taking a proactive approach, he encouraged teams to ask him anything, even suggesting they seek feedback from veteran players like Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron, and David Pastrnak to dispel any doubts.
Cassidy's openness in interviews, coupled with his willingness to address past concerns, played a pivotal role in his hiring by the Vegas Golden Knights. In particular, Patrice Bergeron's endorsement of Cassidy's coaching in Boston carried significant weight in the decision-making process.
The former Bruins coach acknowledged that certain aspects of his coaching style didn't sit well with some younger players in Boston, primarily related to how messages were delivered. Taking that feedback to heart, Cassidy now approaches his coaching with more caution. Nonetheless, he remains steadfast in his commitment to holding his teams accountable, a characteristic that has been a consistent feature throughout his coaching career.
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| POLL | ||
7 AOUT | 230 ANSWERS Coach Bruce Cassidy Opens Up About Bruins' Faults in Candid Interview Would you take Bruce Cassidy back on Boston to replace Montgomery? | ||
| Yes | 107 | 46.5 % |
| No | 123 | 53.5 % |
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