With the Vegas Golden Knights facing the Boston Bruins at TD Garden on Thursday, Bruce Cassidy had some thoughts about returning to his old workplace
It was December 5, 2022. Bruce Cassidy, the coach of the Vegas Golden Knights, had an emotional evening as he made his first visit back to TD Garden since being sacked by the Boston Bruins after more than five years as the team’s head coach in 2021–2022.
Cassidy was now behind the visitors bench and he had no idea what to expect. Cassidy was clearly moved when the TD Garden fans gave him an ovation and the jumbotron played a tribute to him during the first media timeout.
Prior to the Bruins’ visit to TD Garden this season, Cassidy stated on Thursday, “I think last year there was the unknown, didn’t know what would happen.” “Well, we got that over with. You come back in here and get let go, so you never know if you’re going to get booed out of the building or a nice hand.”
After winning 14 straight to start the season, Boston suffered its first home loss at the hands of Vegas, who ultimately prevailed 4-3 in a shootout. The Florida Panthers, who had surprised the Bruins in the opening round, would be defeated by Cassidy and the Golden Knights in the Stanley Cup Finals, giving the club its first championship. The Bruins would go down as the team with the most victories (65) and points (135) in a season.
Cassidy said, “It’s nice to come back with a big, nice, shiny ring on your finger too.” “That’s always a good visit.”
During his time with Boston, Cassidy finished with a record of 245-108-46. In 2019, he made it to the Stanley Cup Final but lost in seven games to the St. Louis Blues. His.672 point percentage is the highest among coaches with more than three seasons in the Bruins history and ranks seventh overall.
The 58-year-old claimed that after Vegas and him winning the Cup, a number of previous players contacted him and that he saw several of them at golf events close to his Cape Cod vacation home. He added that he stays in touch with Bob Essensa and Joe Sacco, the assistant coaches with the Boston Bruins with whom he worked in Boston.
Cassidy remarked, “I wanted to win one here, trust me, more than anybody.” Our ultimate goal is what didn’t work out. I believe that every coach aspires to win, so accomplishing that goal is a pleasant feeling in and of itself.