‘It’s not the first time’: Cam Neely backs Bruce Cassidy’s comments; Jake DeBrusk returns

Boston Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy’s decision to bench veteran forward Jake DeBrusk for Tuesday night’s game against the New York Islanders may not have been surprising given the latter’s noted struggles this season.

But the move did raise eyebrows because of the coach’s candid critique of how DeBrusk’s on-ice effort has contributed to those issues.

“We just feel we’re not getting the effort required,” Cassidy said before Tuesday’s game. “It’s not always about the score sheet. It’s about being one of 20 guys helping you win…We tried different messaging with the player, and sometimes sitting upstairs and taking a look is not a bad way to go and put a different perspective on it and have a…