The longest undefended border between two countries is now closed to non-essential traffic, such as tourists and people looking to do some shopping, in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. The new normal at Canada-U.S. border crossings went into effect at midnight.
Under the bilateral agreement, truckers and workers essential to maintaining supply lines are exempt from the travel order. Also exempt are health professionals and others who work on one side of the border but live on the other. Students who hold valid visas, temporary foreign workers and anyone with valid work responsibilities may also cross.
The ban on non-essential cross-border travel will stay in place for at least 30 days. Ottawa has also agreed to bar all asylum seekers entering Canada through irregular crossings for the duration of the agreement. Washington has enacted a similar arrangement with Mexico.
At midnight tonight, we’re restricting all non-essential travel across the Canada-US border to slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep you safe. But we’ll preserve supply chains so food, fuel, and life-saving medicines can continue to reach people on both sides of the border.
An Air Canada flight bringing a group of Canadians home from Morocco amid the global coronavirus pandemic is expected to land in Montreal on Saturday. The repatriation flight, arranged with the help of the federal government, is due to depart from Casablanca at 1:50 p.m. ET, or 6:50 p.m. local time.
WATCH| ‘A lot of stuff is by chance,’ says Canadian trying to get out of Morocco:
Despite a stressful few days trying to leave Morocco, Canadian Keenan Orrange is grateful for the help he has received and expects to be back in Canada soon. 4:37
The government has urged all Canadians who are abroad to return home quickly, but some have struggled to find flights as they face border restrictions and limited travel options as airlines cut capacity. For Canadians stranded in Morocco, they will have to pay for repatriation because it’s a commercial flight — not a rescue flight chartered by the Canadian government. In India, Canadians are scrambling to get home as India prepares to ban all incoming international flights for a week.
For more than 800 Canadians stuck in Peru, there is new pressure from the Peruvian government to leave this weekend. Peru, which shut down all borders and airports on March 16, said that as of Sunday, it will no longer support any repatriation efforts by foreign governments.
The number of cases of the respiratory illness in Canada has increased beyond 1,000, for a total of 1,087. There were 214 new cases on Friday, the most in one day in Canada since the pandemic was declared on March 11.
Worldwide, more than 274,800 people have been infected and 11,389 have died, according to a Reuters tally.
In the United States, Connecticut, Illinois and New York have joined California in ordering non-essential workers to remain at home to slow the spread of the virus, which has claimed more than 200 lives in the U.S.
In business, Air Canada is laying off more than 5,100 flight attendants as the airline cuts routes and parks planes due to COVID-19, a union official said on Friday. The airline had already said it plans to “gradually suspend the majority of its international and U.S. transborder flights” by March 31.
Wesley Lesosky, president of CUPE’s Air Canada component, said he has “never seen layoffs like this.”
WestJet has said it is suspending international travel as of Sunday for a 30-day period. Swoop, the discount carrier owned by WestJet Airlines, will do the same, and said it is now working to bring home more than 2,300 Swoop passengers who are still outside of Canada.
Sunwing Airlines said it expects to have all of its customers, most of whom are at Mexican or Caribbean resorts, back home by Monday. Sunwing is also offering vacant seats on its repatriation flights free of charge to any Canadians stranded in sun-kissed parts of the hemisphere, including non-Sunwing customers.
WATCH | Montreal hospitals launch global challenge to design new ventilator:
Two hospitals in Montreal are offering a $200,000 prize to design a new low-cost and easy-to-use ventilator to help with the COVID-19 outbreak. 7:58
Starbucks is temporarily reducing service in both Canada and the United States as well, closing cafes and moving to drive-thru and delivery instead. Some exceptions will be made, such as locations in and around hospitals, and the closure doesn’t directly affect licensed stores. In a news release, Starbucks Canada president Lori Digulla said stores will remain closed for two weeks, while staff will continue to be paid for the next 30 days, whether they work or not.
Italy, with its 60 million citizens, increased its death toll by 627 on Friday, to 4,032 lives lost to the virus. It is the largest daily rise in absolute terms since the contagion emerged in the country a month ago. On Thursday, Italy’s death toll surpassed that of China, a country with a population more than 20 times larger and where the outbreak first began.
WATCH | New York City’s empty streets:
The CBC’s Steven D’Souza shows how New York City’s once-bustling streets have quietened amid the coronavirus pandemic 2:08
More than 86,000 people have recovered from the virus, mostly in China, but the pace is much slower than its spread. Recovery takes two weeks or so for mild cases, but can be up to six weeks for those that turn serious, according to the World Health Organization.
Though the illness is mild in most people, the elderly are particularly susceptible to serious symptoms. Italy has the world’s second-oldest population, and the vast majority of its dead — 87 per cent — were over 70.
WATCH | More young people testing positive for coronavirus:
While seniors have been widely reported as the age group most vulnerable to the coronavirus, there have been a rising number of people under 65 falling ill. 2:06
People with underlying health issues may also have an increased likelihood for developing serious complications. Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer, says Indigenous people also face a higher risk because of health inequities, higher rates of underlying conditions and the difficulties that come with living in remote communities.
Read on for a look at what’s happening in Canada, the U.S. and other areas of the world dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. Plus, track the latest numbers here.
Here’s what’s happening in the provinces and territories
British Columbia announced 77 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total to 348. At the same time, the City of Vancouver said all playgrounds will shut down and all restaurants must stop any dine-in services by the end of Friday or face prosecution, as part of a host of new policies unveiled a day after the province declared a state of emergency. “The changes being announced today are major. They mean … many, many people will be laid off,” said Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart. Read more about what’s happening in B.C.
Ontario is launching an online portal for students who can’t go to class because of COVID-19. Doug Ford’s government said the program will include math and literacy material, in both English and French. The province saw 60 new cases reported Friday, pushing the provincial total past 300. It comes a day after officials said a man in his 50s with an underlying health condition, no recent travel history outside Canada or known contact with a COVID-19 case had died. The Milton, Ont., man’s death is the second that health officials in the province have linked to the virus.
Health Minister Christine Elliott — who has faced increased questions over test availability, wait times for testing and hospital capacity — said Thursday the province has added more telehealth lines and is working on improving lab testing. Read more about what’s happening in Ontario.
Alberta’s credit rating was downgraded after a global credit agency said its budget is ‘no longer valid,’ and the province hasn’t done enough to respond to economic pressures from the COVID-19 pandemic. The day before, the province’stop doctor urged people to take the risks from COVID-19 seriously as the province reported its first death.Dr. Deena Hinshaw said Thursday that an Edmonton man in his 60s died late Wednesday. The province is doing “all we can to fight the spread of the virus,” Hinshaw said. “But to do this, we will need everyone’s help.” Read more about what’s happening in Alberta, including information about how Alberta Health Services handled the case of a doctor who tested positive for COVID-19.
Police in the Quebec capital have arrested a COVID-19 patient who defied quarantine orders. The person was arrested while out for a stroll in Quebec City’s Limoilou neighbourhood. As the province tries to clamp down on COVID-19, some hotels are preparing to step up in case they are needed to house non-infected hospital patients to make space in the province’s health facilities. Read more about what’s happening in Quebec.
Saskatchewan announced it will use daycare facilities inside schools to provide care for the children of health-care workers and other “essential” workers. The province, which as of Friday afternoon was reporting 26 confirmed and presumptive cases, has banned public gatherings of more than 50 people. But the chief medical officer of health wants people to avoid groups of more than five. The City of Regina declared its own state of emergency on Friday, while restaurants and bars in the province are being closed for dine-in service, and are now limited to pickup and delivery. Read more about what’s happening in Saskatchewan.
Manitoba declared a state of emergency Friday to respond to the pandemic. The province, like many others, said Thursday it is reviewing its inventory of critical supplies like protective gear for health-care workers and ventilators. More ventilators are on the way, officials said, and while the supply of protective gear is solid for now, the province has said it will buy more. Read more about what’s happening in Manitoba, which delivered a budget Thursday amid economic turmoil linked to the pandemic.
Staff are seen preparing food at the Greater Vancouver Food Bank in Burnaby, B.C., on Wednesday. The federal government has promised funding for people who are out of work, but there’s still concern about how many families impacted by the coronavirus will make ends meet amid economic turmoil. (Jonathan Hayward/The Canadian Press)
In New Brunswick, no new cases were announced for the second day in a row, a day after the province declared a state of emergency. Still, chief medical officer Dr. Jennifer Russell said two days in a row without any new cases “doesn’t mean a whole lot” due to the incubation period of the virus. Russell said she expects to see more cases in the coming days, noting returning travellers may not be exhibiting any symptoms yet. On the same day, Premier Blaine Higgs said the provincial budget is already obsolete due to COVID-19’s economic fallout. Read more about what’s happening in N.B.
Health officials in Nova Scotia reported one new presumptive COVID-19 case on Friday. The new case comes after the province said it is allocating $1 million to help the province’s food banks amid growing economic damage caused by COVID-19. The province, which banned evictions of vulnerable people during the crisis, has said more supports will be rolled out in the days ahead. Alcohol sales in the province have soared amid panic buying, while those working in addiction services are planning ahead in case of liquor store closures. They are concerned those going through alcohol withdrawal will end up in hospital, draining health-care resources away from the pandemic. Read more about what’s happening in Nova Scotia.
The top doctor in P.E.I. is urging people to respect self-isolation and social distancing protocols, saying the province wants to avoid the stark situations seen in places like Italy. Read more about what’s happening on P.E.I.
Newfoundland and Labrador’s health minister said Friday designated COVID-19 test sites are coming — but will be by appointment only. The news comes after a top education official in Newfoundland and Labrador says all students between kindergarten and Grade 9 will pass to the next grade, “no matter what time we get back.”Tony Stack, CEO of the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District, said the plan for high school students is not yet finalized. Read more about what’s happening in N.L.
Here’s a look at the number of cases — including deaths and recoveries — by province:
British Columbia: 348 confirmed cases, including five recovered and eight deaths.
Ontario: 318 confirmed cases, including five recovered and two deaths.
Alberta: 195 confirmed cases, including three recovered and one death.
Quebec: 139 confirmed cases, including one recovered and one death.
Saskatchewan: 26 confirmed and presumptive cases.
Manitoba: 17 confirmed and presumptive cases.
New Brunswick: 11 confirmed and presumptive cases.
Nova Scotia: 15 confirmed and presumptive cases.
Prince Edward Island: Two cases the province lists as positive.
Newfoundland and Labrador: Four confirmed and presumptive cases.
Repatriated Canadians: 12 confirmed cases.
Presumptive cases are individuals who have tested positive, but still await confirmation with the National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg. Not all provinces are listing figures on those who have recovered. The recent COVID-19 related death in Japan is not currently included in the province-by-province tally of cases.
Here’s what’s happening in the U.S.
From Reuters and The Associated Press, updated at 7:00 a.m. ET
New Jersey’s governor was expected on Saturday to follow four other states — California, New York, Illinois and Connecticut — demanding that millions of Americans close up shop and stay home.
Vehicles cross the Peace Bridge into Canada on March 18 in Buffalo N.Y. The Canada-U.S. border is closed to non-essential traffic in both directions as efforts across the continent to contain the widening COVID-19 pandemic continued to upend daily life in North America. (Jeffrey T. Barnes/The Associated Press)
The sweeping state-by-state public health restrictions, unprecedented in breadth and scope, added to the distance being experienced among ordinary Americans even as the pandemic seemed to close in on the highest levels of power in the nation’s capital.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said that starting Sunday, all workers in non-essential businesses must stay home as much as possible and all gatherings of any size will be banned in the state of more than 19 million people. He acted after California all but confined its 40 million residents to their homes.
In Washington, an aide to U.S. Vice-President Mike Pence, leading the White House task force formed to combat the outbreak, tested positive for the virus, but neither President Donald Trump nor Pence have had close contact with the individual, Pence’s press secretary, Katie Miller, said in a statement on Friday.
Pence’s office was notified of the positive test on Friday evening, and officials were seeking to determine who the staffer might have exposed, Miller said.
Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced on Friday that the U.S. tax filing day will be extended from April 15 to July 15. He encouraged all taxpayers who may have refunds to file now.
The total number of known U.S. coronavirus cases has risen exponentially in recent days, climbing past 18,000 in a surge that health officials attributed in large part to an increase in diagnostic testing.
Here’s what’s happening in Europe
From The Associated Press and Reuters, updated at 7:00 a.m. ET
Italy has imposed further restrictions on public life. The government has announced all parks, public gardens and playgrounds will be closed in Italy starting Saturday for at least five days. The death toll in Italy leapt by 627 to 4,032 on Friday, an increase of 18.4 per cent, by far the largest daily rise in absolute terms since the contagion emerged a month ago.
Spain said it plans to turn a Madrid conference centre into a giant military hospital, as Europe’s second-worst outbreak claimed another 235 lives.
France reported 78 new deaths on Friday, taking the total to 450, an increase of 21 per cent.
Germany may enforce a nationwide curfew if the country’s 83 million people fail to keep their distance from each other this weekend.
People form a long queue as they wait to enter a wholesaler supermarket in Coventry, England, early Saturday. The U.K. government has ordered the closure of public gathering places like restaurants, pubs, gyms and leisure centres in an effort to control the spread of coronavirus. (Jacob King /Press Assocation/The Associated Press)
The U.K. government says it’s shipping large supplies of protective equipment to hospitals. Britain lags behind Italy, Spain and France in the spread of the new coronavirus, but already the country’s overstretched health system is creaking.
WATCH | U.K. pubs last call before indefinite shutdown:
U.K. government orders closure of pubs, restaurants and other gathering places to combat COVID-19 1:10
Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered the closure of pubs, restaurants, gyms, nightclubs and other businesses from Friday to slow the spread of the virus.
Here’s what’s happening in Asia
From Reuters and The Associated Press, updated at 7:30 a.m. ET
Indonesia’s total of cases rose to 450, with 38 deaths, a health ministry official said on Saturday. This comes a day after the governor of Jakarta declared a state of emergency in the Indonesian capital for the next two weeks.
Malaysia’s cases jumped to 1,183 on Saturday with four deaths, and the government warned of more cases next week as it looks for people who attended a mass religious gathering linked to a majority of the cases.Malaysia will mobilize its army, starting Sunday, to help enforce curbs on movement.
Vietnam will suspend all inbound international flights, the government said in a statement on Saturday.
All 41 of the new confirmed cases in China were imported from overseas, the country’s National Health Commission said on Saturday.
In Taiwan, the government has taken multiple steps to ensure safety essentials make it to consumers, including putting weekly limits per citizen on safety mask purchases and rationing the amount of cleaning supplies consumers can buy.
In Thailand, an outbreak of the virus has been traced to a boxing event that took place at the beginning of March. There are now 72 cases of COVID-19 from three boxing stadiums since the first cluster of transmission was reported from one match at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok held on March 6. Since those clusters were reported, the number of confirmed cases in Thailand has jumped to 322, doubling the number within a week.
Indian passengers wearing face masks as a precaution against COVID-19 arrive at Secunderabad Railway Station in Hyderabad, India on Saturday. (Mahesh Kumar A./The Associated Press)
Though the epidemic erupted in China in December, and South Korea at one stage had the second-most infections, both subsequently succeeded in stifling domestic transmission of the virus.
South Korea reported 147 new coronavirus infections on Saturday, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The new cases bring the country’s total to 8,799. The country’s election commission says all voters will be required to wear masks and use disposable gloves at ballot booths during the April 15 parliamentary elections.
Here’s a look at some other developments around COVID-19
Canadian consumers are still snapping up supplies, leaving some store shelves empty, despite efforts to restock. Some grocery stores have implemented limits on essential items while others have not. The Retail Council of Canada, an industry group that represents big chains like Lobaw, Sobeys and Walmart, says it doesn’t plan to advocate for any rationing or limits per person.
Iran’s death toll from the coronavirus outbreak rose on Saturday by more than 100 to 1,556, and the total number of people infected now exceeds 20,000, a health ministry official said.
Saudi Arabia, which has announced a $31.93 billion US support package, has suspended all domestic flights, buses, taxis and trains for 14 days starting Saturday.
South Africa announced coronavirus cases jumped to 202, the most in the sub-Saharan region, and the country’s largest airport announced that foreigners would not be allowed to disembark. Another African nation announced its first case, Cape Verde. Thirty-seven countries on the continent now have cases, with a total now well above 800.
Brazil is the hardest-hit country in Latin America, with confirmed cases jumping by over 280 on Friday to 904, with 11 deaths total. Several countries in Latin America are among the least prepared in the world for a pandemic, with health-care systems already stretched thin. Peruvian Minister of Defence Walter Martos previously told local America TV that the nation has less than 400 respirators available. “It’s not a lot,” he said. “Really, we don’t have the infrastructure that developed nations do.”
Australia has ratcheted up its social distancing regulations to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, demanding indoor venues provide at least four square metres of space per person. The space constraint announced Friday follows a ban on Wednesday of non-essential indoor gatherings of more than 100 people, including weddings and restaurants. Gatherings considered essential include schools, supermarkets and workplaces, which are exempt. Australia has also tightened regulations on travel to and from remote Indigenous communities in a bid to spare them COVID-19 outbreaks.
Netflix is launching a $100M US relief fund for workers in the creative community as the film and television industry suffers. The fund will be distributed to “third parties and nonprofits providing emergency relief to out-of-work crew and cast in the countries where we have a large production base,” according to a statement. That includes $1 million to be shared between the AFC, formerly known as the Actors Fund of Canada, and Fondation des Artistes in Canada.
Starting Tuesday, Cuba will stop allowing foreigners to enter the island, with the exception of residents. President Miguel Diaz-Canel made the announcement on state television late on Friday, saying that the order would stay in place for 30 days. As of Friday, the island nation had announced 16 cases of COVID-19 and one death, all in people who had traveled overseas or been in direct contact with a traveller.
DETROIT (AP) — Democratic U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin has won Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat, giving Democrats a bittersweet victory in a swing state that also backed Republican President-elect Donald Trump in his successful bid to return to the White House.
Slotkin, a third-term representative, defeated former Republican congressman Mike Rogers. Democrats have held both Senate seats in Michigan for decades, but this year were left without retiring incumbent Sen. Debbie Stabenow.
Michigan’s was among a handful of Senate races Democrats struggled to defend. They lost their U.S. Senate majority despite Slotkin’s narrow win.
The race was incredibly close. Just minutes before it was called for Slotkin, she addressed supporters in Detroit, acknowledging that many voters may have cast their ballots for her while also supporting Trump, who won the state’s electoral votes over Democrat Kamala Harris.
“It’s my responsibility to get things done for Michiganders. No matter who’s in office, just as I did in President Trump’s first term,” said Slotkin. “I’m a problem solver and I will work with anyone who is actually here to work.”
Slotkin’s win provides some solace for Democrats in the state, many of whom entered Election Day with high confidence following sweeping victories in the 2022 midterms. Democrat Gov. Gretchen Whitmer still controls the executive branch and Democrats held onto the Senate, but their state House majority was in peril.
And Republicans also captured a mid-Michigan seat vacated by Slotkin, considered one of the most competitive races in the country.
Slotkin, a former CIA analyst and third-term representative, launched her Senate campaign shortly after Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow announced her retirement in early 2023. With a largely uncontested primary, Slotkin built a significant fundraising advantage and poured it into advertising. Her high-profile supporters included former President Barack Obama and Stabenow, who helped her on the campaign trail.
On the Republican side, Rogers faced multiple challengers for the party’s nomination, including former Reps. Justin Amash and Peter Meijer, the latter of whom withdrew before the Aug. 6 primary. Rogers served in the U.S. House from 2001 to 2015 and chaired the House Intelligence Committee.
Trump won Michigan in 2016 by just over 10,000 votes, marking the first time a Republican presidential candidate had secured the state in nearly three decades. This time, he expanded that margin to about 80,000 votes.
Slotkin and other Michigan Democrats focused much of their campaigns on reproductive rights, arguing that Republican opponents would back a national abortion ban, although Rogers said he wouldn’t. How effectively the issue motivated voting in a state where reproductive rights were enshrined in the constitution by Michigan voters in 2022 remained to be seen on Election Day.
About 4 in 10 Michigan voters said the economy and jobs is the top issue facing the country, according to AP VoteCast, a sweeping survey of more than 110,000 voters nationally, including about 3,700 voters in Michigan. About 2 in 10 Michigan voters said immigration is the most pressing issue, and roughly 1 in 10 named abortion.
Slotkin used her funding advantage to establish her narrative early, aiming to connect both with her base and disillusioned Republicans.
“For the Republicans who feel like their party has left them over the last few years, you will always have an open door in my office,” Slotkin said during their only debate.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Fernando Valenzuela was remembered for “having the heart of a lion” throughout his stellar pitching career with the Los Angeles Dodgers during a funeral highlighting his Catholic faith on Wednesday.
Archbishop José Gomez sprinkled holy water on Valenzuela’s casket and later waved incense over it. Nearby a portrait of a smiling Valenzuela rested against the altar.
“His death came too soon,” the Rev. James Anguiano said in his sermon.
The public Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in downtown Los Angeles included fans wearing Dodgers gear, some in Valenzuela’s No. 34 jersey. Many held up cell phones to record moments.
Valenzuela died on Oct. 22 at age 63, three days before the Dodgers began their eventual run to the franchise’s eighth World Series championship, beating the New York Yankees in five games last week. No cause of death was given.
“I really think Fernando hoped to witness the Dodgers win the World Series this year but you know he did witness the Dodgers as champions,” Anguiano said. “Fernando had a front-row seat, perfect from heaven.”
“I know like I’m standing here that Fernando is up there, he’s letting us know he’s doing well and he’s celebrating along with the Dodgers in their World Series championship,” said Mike Scioscia, who caught Valenzuela in many of his starts in 1981, including a five-hit shutout on Opening Day.
The Dodgers went on to win the World Series that year, in six games against the Yankees. The Mexican-born Valenzuela is the only player to earn the NL Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year honors in the same season.
Scioscia, at times speaking in Spanish, eulogized Valenzuela for having “the heart of a lion.”
“He was 20-years-old in 1981 when he was going through Fernandomania and he just kept perspective the whole way,” Scioscia said. “Fernando never got too big for his britches. He was always well-grounded, he knew that he had a talent and he wanted to go out there and do it every time. He always felt he was the best in the world but he never told anybody about it.”
Fernando Valenzuela Jr. gave a tearful eulogy of his papá in Spanish, pausing to wipe his face with a white cloth. Valenzuela’s wife, Linda, and other children Ricardo, Linda and Maria sat in the front row, along with his grandchildren.
“Fernando no longer has to look up nor does he have to look down,” Anguiano said, referring to Valenzuela’s skyward glance during his unusual delivery. “Fernando is alive and present in our hearts and in our lives.”
The nine-member Mariachi Sol de Mexico played and sang throughout the service. It concluded with eight pallbearers ushering his casket covered in white roses to a waiting hearse.
Former Dodgers Orel Hershiser, Ron Cey, Reggie Smith, Jerry Reuss, Manny Mota, Justin Turner, Rick Sutcliffe, Nomar Garciaparra and Jesse Orosco were among the mourners. They were joined by former Dodgers owner Peter O’Malley, current president and CEO Stan Kasten, team COO Bob Wolfe, team general counsel Sam Fernandez and actor Edward James Olmos.
Valenzuela’s colleagues on the team’s Spanish-language broadcasts, Jaime Jarrín who retired in 2022 and, José Mota, were there.
Jim Montgomery turned to his right and trudged down the tunnel towards the visitors locker room at Scotiabank Arena.
The Bruins head coach and his players moved past the windows of the rink’s exclusive new social club — a venue that allows select fans a brief glimpse into an NHL team’s journey.
Boston’s ride has been largely unfamiliar and bumpy so far this season.
A franchise used to fast starts to the schedule, the Bruins sit below .500 at 6-7-1 on the heels of Tuesday’s 4-0 shutout and that hands of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Boston didn’t lose a seventh game in regulation in 2022-23 until Jan. 29 on the way to winning the Presidents’ Trophy. Last season, the Bruins waited until Dec. 23 for their seventh regulation defeat.
Alarm bells aren’t sounding. The mood, however, is decidedly different.
“It’s unique right now,” Boston defenceman Brandon Carlo said. “Our group as a whole is still very encouraged and positive for the most part. I don’t think we want to get too far down on ourselves this early in the year.”
It’s also not hard to see where vast improvements are needed.
While the Bruins have been satisfied with their play at five-on-five of late, special teams remain a major issue.
Boston’s power play tumbled to 29th overall heading into Wednesday night’s action following an 0-for-6 performance in Toronto, while its penalty kill dropped to 20th after the Leafs connected on three of seven chances.
The Bruins, to make matters worse, are by far the most penalized roster in the league with 79 infractions across their 14 games — 12 more than the second-place Los Angeles Kings.
Montgomery’s special teams have been, at minimum, in the top half of the league in his two previous seasons in charge since taking over from Bruce Cassidy. Boston’s penalty kill ranked first in 2022-23 and seventh in 2023-24, while the power play was 14th and 12th, respectively.
“Our group’s fine,” Montgomery said. “We feel we’re getting better. Our habits and details are growing.”
The Bruins, who lost 8-2 in Carolina to the Hurricanes last Thursday, have experienced significant roster turnover in recent years — Patrice Bergeron’s retirement before last season was the biggest change — but the likes of captain Brad Marchand and sniper David Pastrnak remain focal points.
Even those veterans have had tough starts.
Marchand, whose contract situation remains unresolved with unrestricted free agency looming next summer, was chewed out by Montgomery last month when a giveaway led to a goal. Pastrnak was then benched for the third period of Sunday’s 2-0 victory over the Seattle Kraken after a similar turnover at an inopportune time.
Carlo said the leadership group’s ability to handle tough moments, even personal ones, trickles down the lineup when the temperature is turned up.
“I’m trying to lead by example in that way and not come to the rink with a frown on my face,” said the blueliner in his ninth NHL season. “It’s hard when it’s not as fun coming into the rink and having to look over video, but I feel like we’re learning step by step.
“We’re very blessed to play in this league and do what we do. Might as well enjoy it.”
The Bruins’ path the last two seasons didn’t end in success.
They blew a 3-1 series lead and were upset in the first round of the playoffs by the Florida Panthers in 2023. The same club bested Boston again last spring in the second round on the way to winning the Stanley Cup.
“We’ve always started off really well, top of the league,” Bruins forward Trent Frederic said. “It hasn’t worked out … maybe this is a different little route we’ll take. Not how you draw it up.
“But it’s not bad to face adversity.”
WHO’S WATCHING?
The Winnipeg Jets improved to an NHL-best 12-1-0 with Tuesday’s 3-0 victory over the Utah Hockey Club, but only 12,932 fans were in attendance at the 15,325-seat Canada Life Centre.
That followed a gathering of 12,912 for Sunday’s 7-4 triumph over the Tampa Bay Lightning at the league’s smallest arena.
The Jets have topped 15,000 tickets sold just once this season when 15,225 people were in the building for an Oct. 28 visit by the Toronto Maple Leafs.
PETTEY’S PROBLEM
Vancouver Canucks centre Elias Pettersson signed an eight-year, US$92.8-million contract extension in March.
Things have not gone according to plan since pen hit paper.
Despite finding the scoresheet Tuesday for just the fifth time this season, the 25-year-old has only eight goals and 14 assists for 22 points in 44 combined regular-season and playoff games since agreeing to his new deal.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 6, 2024.
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Joshua Clipperton’s weekly NHL notebook is published every Wednesday.
