Bruce Cassidy, head coach of the Boston Bruins, has never been one to shy away from taking risks. But his latest gamble has left hockey fans and experts alike scratching their heads.
In Wednesday night’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Cassidy made a controversial decision to pull his goaltender with over 10 minutes left in the third period. With the Bruins down by a goal and the clock ticking down, Cassidy decided to try and give his team an extra attacker in hopes of tying the game.
The move ultimately backfired, as the Blue Jackets were able to capitalize on the empty net and secure a 3-1 victory. Many fans were left wondering why Cassidy would take such a risky move in such a crucial moment of the game.
When asked about his decision after the game, Cassidy defended his choice, stating that he believed it was the best chance for his team to tie the game and potentially force overtime. He admitted that it was a high-risk, high-reward move, but ultimately it did not pay off.
This is not the first time that Cassidy has been criticized for his bold coaching decisions. In last year’s playoffs, he raised eyebrows by benching star player David Pastrnak in a crucial game against the New York Islanders. While the move seemed to pay off at first, with the Bruins securing a win in that game, they ultimately lost the series.
Despite the criticism, Cassidy has remained steadfast in his belief in taking risks and thinking outside the box. He is known for his aggressive coaching style and willingness to make bold moves in high-pressure situations.
Whether Cassidy’s gambling style will pay off in the long run remains to be seen. But one thing is certain – he is not afraid to take chances when it comes to coaching his team. Time will tell if his bold decisions will lead the Bruins to success or if they will ultimately end up costing them crucial games in the future.