Bruins GM: Want to see how players respond to 'different voice'

Despite what the underlying data might reveal, Boston Bruins management was convinced the team's performance and results had plateaued under longtime head coach Claude Julien.

So, it was time for a change in directive.

Enter former assistant Bruce Cassidy, who will provide instruction for what's left of the season. Meanwhile, the brass intends to evaluate the roster - and Cassidy - at a deeper level.

"(It's) an opportunity for a new set of eyes to come in, (a) new voice for our players to start to hear - and hopefully their ears perked up," general manager Don Sweeney said Tuesday.

He added: "That's part of the process - seeing how players will respond to a different voice."

When asked about the impetus behind the decision to dismiss Julien, Sweeney didn't differentiate between immediate results and the long-term well-being of his club. He acknowledged there are holes on the roster, but believes the current iteration is capable of making the playoffs.

Beginning his time with the media by extending admiration toward Julien, Cassidy mentioned he wants to employ a faster pace, which will be a focus at his practices.

Carried out on the morning of the New England Patriots' Super Bowl parade through Boston, the timing of Julien's dismissal proved to be a contentious point. The general manager maintained it wasn't intentional, and that it was the most appropriate moment based on the Bruins' schedule.

"I felt there was an opportunity today and tomorrow to get (the players') feet on the ground from a practice standpoint," Sweeney said.