Bruins Sinking In Unchartered Waters

BOSTON – Brad Marchand described it perfectly.

“It’s been a different year,” he said after a 6-2 loss to the Winnipeg Jets Thursday at TD Garden. “We’re facing a lot of adversity this year and we don’t have a choice but to work through it. You can’t get caught up in frustration. Obviously, none of us are happy where we’re at and the position we’re in, especially considering where we expected to be to start the year, but you can’t focus on that. You have to focus on being better for the next one and that’s what we have to worry about.”

Expectations were high entering this season. Then, things went south. A coaching change was made when Jim Montgomery was fired, and Joe Sacco was named interim head coach. The culture in the room is completely different than it has been in nearly two decades. Veterans and newcomers are still trying to mesh. Chants of “Fire Sweeney” has resonated throughout the crowd of late, calling for the dismissal of general manager Don Sweeney.

It’s crazy how this fan base currently thinks about its hometown team.

Things could get ugly sooner than later. It’s been discussed time and again whether the Boston Bruins are buyers or sellers as the March 7 trade deadline approaches. It wouldn’t be a shock if the team sells, including captain Brad Marchand. While that notion may seem inconceivable, it could still be a possibility. When asked about it after the loss to the Jets, Marchand responded exactly how one would think.

“I’m not really worried about what’s being said in the media,” he said. “At the end of the day, they’re going to make decisions for the group that they feel is necessary and I have no control over that. We’re going to worry about what’s going on in here, playing for this group and as long as I’m here I’m a Boston Bruin and that’s what I’m worried about.”

Winnipeg is a serious contender for the Stanley Cup this season and it was evident with its win over the Bruins. Even when it seemed Boston had a chance, the Jets proved why they’re as good as they are and dismantled the Bruins with ease. Once again, the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde scenario is playing out in Boston unlike any other season in recent memory.

“It’s something we need to continue to work through,” Marchand said. “We don’t have a choice to look back or feel sorry for ourselves. We need to work and get ready for the next one . . . the only thing we can do is focus day to day and worry about what we can control.”

Call it a crossroads. Call it a time to rebuild, which is unacceptable in this market. The fact is this team is unpredictable. More changes are coming, and it could be a while before this fan base feels better about itself. There’s a negative aura inside TD Garden that hasn’t been felt since the Dave Lewis era in 2006-07. That’s not a good sign and it will take a miracle for that to change at this point. Maybe the Bruins will surprise everyone and turn things around, but it’s too fickle a situation at this point to even try to figure out.