The Boston Bruins made the announcement Wednesday morning, three days after a disappointing first-round playoff exit. Bruce Cassidy was named interim head coach on Feb. 9, two days after the firing of long-time head coach Claude Julien. At the time, the Bruins were 26-23-6 and on track to miss the playoffs for a third consecutive year.
Cassidy’s impact was felt immediately. He injected energy and a fresh approach, and the team responded. The Bruins won the first game under Cassidy, a 6-3 stomping of the San Jose Sharks. Then went on an 18-8-1 run to finish the regular season and secure a spot in the playoffs.