Brad Marchand and Jim Montgomery react to David Pastrnak’s overtime tripping penalty (Source: Imagn)

Brad Marchand and Jim Montgomery shared their thoughts on the tripping penalty called on David Pastrnak in overtime. At 00:42, David Pastrnak was penalized for tripping Clayton Keller, which led to the Utah Hockey Club’s game-winning goal.

Here’s the video of David Pastrnak taking a tripping penalty in the opening seconds of overtime:

David Pastrnak takes a tripping penalty in the opening seconds of OT. Utah would score the game winner just as the penalty expired. https://t.co/D1faxmwSpF pic.twitter.com/odg8qPVY1e

— Bear With Me (@BearWithMe_Pod) October 20, 2024

In the post-game press conference, Brad Marchand called the call “soft.” He felt that it wasn’t a valid reason for a penalty in such a crucial moment.

“It’s one of those (calls) that we would want, I think. It might be a little soft. Nothing came out of it,” he said.

Marchand also noted that the penalty changed the game’s momentum:

“Usually overtime they call stuff on chances or a turnover, stuff like that. But I mean, at the end of the day, it was a trip so it’s too bad we 𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁ed it off and guys do a job there, but it’s unfortunate Pasta’s just turning up the ice and his stick kind of gets caught. Those things happen.”

Montgomery agreed with Marchand, feeling that the call was understandable but eventually wrong.

“OT I understand from the rescue point why they would make that call. You know, I thought he tried to jump over pasta stick. It wasn’t pasta stick to tripped him,” Montgomery said.

He also pointed out that officiating can be subjective, especially in overtime:

“Of course, I’m going to see it the way I want to see it too.”

🎥 Coach Montgomery, Cole Koepke, Brad Marchand, and Jeremy Swayman react following the #NHLBruins 2-1 overtime loss to Utah on Saturday night: pic.twitter.com/hnqrnLAWvi

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) October 20, 2024

Marchand and Montgomery mentioned Utah’s speed as a challenge for the Bruins.

David Pastrnak and Bruins’ top lines must elevate play to match fourth line’s success

Jeremy Swayman played well, saving 29-of-30 shots but, the offense struggled, with Cole Koepke scoring Boston’s only goal, showing the fourth line’s effectiveness this season. In contrast, the top three lines were underwhelming, totaling just five shots on goal at even strength.

Stars like David Pastrnak, Brad Marchand and Charlie Coyle had tough nights as coach Jim Montgomery expressed his frustration (via NESN):

“They are keeping it simple. They’re winning battles. They’re connected. Their triangles in the D-zone and especially in the offensive zone have been really good. And the other lines gotta try and emulate that if they want to have that kind of success.”

The Bruins have scored 13 goals at even strength, but eight came from the fourth line, so this reliance on them is concerning.

Montgomery has tried different line combinations, but none have worked. Patience is important as the season goes on, but the team needs its top lines to perform better.