The St. Louis Blues have made a strategic move to rejuvenate their coaching staff by appointing Jim Montgomery as their new head coach. This decision comes after a disappointing season under Drew Bannister, during which the team failed to make the playoffs. Bannister, who took over mid-season from Craig Berube, couldn’t steer the Blues to success, leading to this pivotal change.
Jim Montgomery, who previously served as an assistant coach with the Blues from 2020 to 2022, brings a wealth of experience and familiarity with the team. His recent tenure with the Boston Bruins ended amidst a challenging stretch where the team lost 12 out of 20 games. Despite this rough patch, Montgomery's time with the Bruins was marked by a record-breaking 65-win, 135-point season in 2022-2023, earning him the esteemed title of Coach of the Year.
Returning to Familiar Grounds
Montgomery's return to St. Louis is a strategic decision, given his existing rapport with over half of the current Blues lineup. "It's about your relationships in life," he expressed, underscoring the importance of familiarity and mutual commitment. He further remarked, "The five-year deal shows the commitment of Tom Stillman and the ownership group, that we are in this together." This long-term contract highlights the trust and expectations placed on Montgomery to guide the Blues back to playoff contention.
Doug Armstrong, President and General Manager of the Blues, voiced his confidence in Montgomery’s abilities. "He's one of those coaches that I really do believe can be with this team now and as it grows," Armstrong said, reflecting on Montgomery's potential to drive the team's development and future successes.
Challenges to Overcome
Montgomery steps into his role during a challenging phase for the Blues, who currently have a 9-12-1 record and are struggling in key areas like the power play and penalty kill, ranking in the bottom third of the league. Additionally, the team is averaging a modest 2.36 goals per game. This places significant pressure on Montgomery to implement strategies that will elevate the team’s performance and effectiveness on the ice.
The Blues' ambition to make a strong comeback is echoed in Montgomery's outlook. "It's not easy to make the playoffs in this league. Half the teams miss it," he notes realistically, yet with optimism. He remains steadfast in his belief that "in time, this is a caliber playoff team," hinting at the potential he sees within the team's structure and talent.
The Path Ahead
Jim Montgomery’s career points percentage of .659 is a testament to his consistency and success as a coach. As he prepares to lead the Blues, Montgomery sets his sights on leveraging his understanding of the team's dynamics and revitalizing their strategies. His prior stint with the Blues gives him a unique vantage point, allowing him to hit the ground running and focus on fostering a winning mentality among his players.
Jim Montgomery’s journey also underscores a broader narrative of redemption and continuity in his coaching career. Speaking candidly, he shared a personal maxim that resonates with his career shift: "When you do the right thing, another door opens." With this philosophy, he embarks on his new chapter with the Blues, aiming to translate this optimistic mindset into tangible success on the ice.
With a supportive management team led by Doug Armstrong and Tom Stillman, a talented roster, and the strategic acumen of Jim Montgomery, the St. Louis Blues are poised to rebuild and aim for a return to playoff glory. The coming seasons will be crucial for the team as they strive to regain their competitive edge and cultivate lasting success in the league.