How did Jim Montgomery guide the 2022-23 Boston Bruins to the best regular-season record in NHL history in his first year with the team?
It helps to pick the brain of a nearby coaching legend.
During a recent chat with NBC Sports Boston's "The Camera Guys," Montgomery shared that he's been in communication with both Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla and New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick during his first year on the job.
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Montgomery met Belichick last fall at a Patriots game, where the longtime head coach gave the new guy some sage advice.
"I've been able to talk with Joe Mazzulla and (we) text every once in a while, more congratulating each other on the seasons we're having. And then I had the opportunity when I went to a Patriots game to meet the legend, Bill Belichick.
"He gave me some really good advice on when the team is going really well and when they're not; when to push, when to pull away. That was really insightful."
Boston Bruins
Montgomery appears to have taken Belichick's advice to heart. In contrast to previous head coach Bruce Cassidy, Montgomery brought a more laid-back approach to the job, letting veteran leaders like Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand and David Krejci police the dressing room.
He's also given his players more creative freedom on the ice, resulting in multiple players enjoying career seasons, from David Pastrnak and Jake DeBrusk to Pavel Zacha and Trent Frederic.
Montgomery's work is far from done, as Boston's season will be considered a failure if the team isn't raising the Stanley Cup in June. But the Bruins head coach has strong resources at his disposal -- and is eyeing a follow-up with Belichick in the near future.
"I'm hoping to be able to go out for dinner with him at some point," Montgomery added. "You listening, Bill?"
Check out Montgomery's full interview with The Camera Guys in the video player above.