FORT LAUDERDALE | “Jean Béliveau must turn in his grave.” Jim Montgomery joked this line with the Journal’s representative before the All-Star Game skill contest.
• Also read: NHL: Nick Suzuki will combine hockey and golf in the skills competition
• Also read: Canadians: Invited to the Stars’ Weekend, Nick Suzuki enjoys his time in Florida
• Also read: Quebecers in the NHL: It’s very thin this season
But that line also hid a cruel truth. For the first time in history, there is no representative from Quebec among the players invited to the All-Star Game.
Montgomery, the head coach of the Boston Bruins, acts as a representative.
“I’m very surprised,” said the Montreal native. Really very surprised. I didn’t know I was the only guy from Quebec here. It is a honor. At least there is one. But I prefer to see players than coaches! Patrice Bergeron should be here with me. »
The Bruins have two players in this 67th performance of the All-Star Classic with winger David Pastrnak and goaltender Linus Ullmark.
It was virtually impossible for NHL leaders to sulk Pastrnak and Ullmark. Pastrnak ranks fourth in the NHL with 72 points and second with 38 goals. In Ullmark’s case, the former Buffalo Sabers goalie is a strong contender for the Vezina Trophy with a remarkable 26-4-1 record, 1.90 GAA and .937 save percentage.
More than a Frank-Selke
In his first season in Boston, Montgomery is one of the architects of the Bruins’ great season, the best team at the circuit with already 83 points (39-7-5). As he had done during his recent stint at the Bell Centre, Montgomery glanced in his captain’s direction to explain the successes of his people.
“When you manage a player like Patrice, life is easier,” said the 53-year-old. That’s also why I think he deserves to play the All-Star Game. »
A five-time Frank-Selke Trophy recipient, Bergeron played in the All-Star Game three times (2014-2015, 2015-2016, and 2021-2022). Historically, offensive players are more likely than complete players when it comes to getting invites.
“No, I don’t think it’s any harder to invite a Selke winner if it’s a player who’s getting 65 or 70 points a year,” Montgomery replied. I know something about Patrice. He makes all of his teammates better, whether offensively or defensively. For me, that’s the definition of a true star player. »
A mental break
For this all-star game, Montgomery didn’t prepare an emotional speech or lay out a concrete plan for the meeting, which will be played three-on-three.
“I’m on a mental break,” he laughed. I could just enjoy it. I’ll talk to the players behind the bench and enjoy watching them. That’s my strategy. »
A correct format
First in the Atlantic Division, the Bruins may not have a handle on either the Toronto Maple Leafs or the Tampa Bay Lightning for the first round of the playoffs.
Montgomery spoke to reporters ahead of the skills contest about the often contested playoff formula.
“I have no problem with this formula,” he insisted. Rules are rules. We know you. But I remember when the first team played the 16th team in the first round of the playoffs. »
“The Edmonton Oilers with a young Wayne Gretzky eliminated the Montreal Canadiens in the first round of the playoffs. I was just a little boy crying on the couch since Guy Lafleur just lost. That was a big surprise at the time. »
In 1981, the Oilers had defeated the CH in three games of a best-of-five series in the first round. The band in Gretzky had ended the year in 14th place while the Habs had finished in 3rd place.