Neely: Bruins Heard Jacobs' Message Loud And Clear
BOSTON (CBS) -- The Boston Bruins were in desperate need of a wake-up call as they hit the middle point of the season, sitting out of a playoff spot and well below their Mendoza line of expectations, and may have gotten it from Charlie Jacobs.
Jacobs, who was named CEO of Delaware North's Boston holdings (including the Bruins, TD Garden and NESN) on Tuesday, put everyone on notice by saying the team's current level of play was unacceptable, and Boston responded with an overtime win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday night.
Bruins president Cam Neely joined 98.5 The Sports Hub's Felger & Massarotti for his weekly call into the show on Thursday, and said Jacobs' comments were nothing new for the organization this season, but the message was heard loud and clear.
"Well, I think anytime someone in that position makes those comments, everyone's ears perk up and you kind of get a better understanding of where he's coming from. You may know that things aren't pretty and people aren't as happy as you would if things were going better, but it wasn't surprising that he feels the way he is," said Neely. "To be honest, these guys are professionals. They know we're in a position we probably shouldn't be. They certainly heard the message loud and clear from the comments I read from some of the players, but it makes you think a little bit, 'This really is not acceptable' from what we're hearing."
Neely said he too felt the fire from Jacobs' comments.
"When you're in any sport in a position like mine, you're given the luxury to spend to the cap and ultimately help be part of a decision making team. The expectations are results, and we have had high expectations here, and rightfully so," said Neely. "I want everyone in the organization to have high expectations. If we're going to be allowed to spend what we do spend, you want to put a product on the ice that competes for a Stanley Cup. Everyone here is going to be scrutinized the way ownership thinks they should."
Neely wouldn't comment on rumors that Milan Lucic wouldn't be going anywhere as long as Peter Chiarelli was in charge, a statement Darren Dreger made during Wednesday's game broadcast.
"I haven't talked to Darren in a while, but I'm sure hes doing OK," Neely joked. "I don't want to comment on trade rumors, it's really unfair to the players or the organization."
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