Through their first six games of the season, the Bruins have a record of 3-2-1 (7PTS). That's good enough for 12th in the NHL, 4th in the Eastern Conference, and 2nd in the Atlantic Division - so as it pertains to the standings, Boston's in fine position.
Yet, if you were to ask anyone - players, coaches, trainers, media, fans - they would all say the team has played worse than their record would indicate.
Bruins' Head Coach, Jim Montgomery, even said as much after Sunday's practice when he spoke with media following Boston's most recent loss in Utah.
"Being 3-2-1 .. that's fine, the record I'm not worried about, results i'm not worried about right now, it's the process. The process is not consistently to our desires yet"
Regardless of their winning record, Boston hasn't been playing the right way.
Their team speed, checking, decision making, attention-to-detail, defensive awareness, offensive pressure, creativity, and special teams have all lacked throughout the majority of Boston's roster.
The exception, of course, being Boston's 4th line of Cole Koepke, Mark Kastelic, and John Beecher. Koepke, currently leads Boston in scoring with 6PTS, while Kastelic, and Beecher (5PTS) are tied for 2nd with David Pastrnak, and Elias Lindholm.
The 4th line's production has been great, but it's been their consistent battle effort, and compete level separating them from many of their teammates.
Montgomery spoke about his 4th line on Sunday as well.
"Maybe I just gotta start playing them like sixteen minutes a night instead of twelve and a half like I have".
Montgomery may feel tempted to do so because in addition to the 4th line's success, Boston's middle-six forward group has been a major disappointment.
Charlie Coyle, Trent Frederic, Justin Brazeau, Morgan Geekie, and Matt Poitras have collectively accumulated just 4PTS in 25 combined games played.
Elsewhere, Boston's top forwards haven't been playing to their potential.
Pastrnak has 5PTS in 6GP, but his engagement level, at times, has been questionable.
Pavel Zacha has just 2PTS in 6GP.
Brad Marchand is still in search of his first goal of the season.
Speaking of Marchand, this play over the weekend in Utah was utterly unacceptable.
In what world, up one goal in the 3rd period, does one try to dangle through multiple opponents at the blue line?
Marchand knows better than that. He's a captain, Stanley Cup Champion, and potential future Hockey Hall of Famer.
That puck should get cycled back down low EVERY TIME to avoid a turnover.
Fortunately for Boston, the goal was overturned for offsides - but it didn't prevent Montgomery from letting Marchand here it.
While Montgomery was frustrated, and rightfully so - it was encouraging, yet interesting to see him unafraid to cuss out, and even nudge his captain in front of the entire team.
Pure speculation, but curious if Montgomery is sensing that his players may not be receiving his messaging as effectively as they once have - and if he's feeling the pressure of coaching the final year of his contract without an extension.
In any event, Montgomery's in-game rapport with his players, in particular his leaders will be worth keeping an eye on if struggles continue.
The good news, is that in the last couple of seasons the Bruins got off to great starts but weren't playing their best hockey entering the playoffs.
Perhaps it's better for their team game to struggle in October, but then build and improve in time for April and beyond - when it matters most.
Do they have the personnel to implement and become that playoff brand of hockey over the next six months?
Stay tuned and find out.
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