Montgomery Returns to St. Louis: Blues Pin Hopes on New Coaching Direction
The St. Louis Blues are betting on familiar terrain and leadership as they announced Jim Montgomery as their new head coach. Montgomery, who previously served as an assistant coach for the Blues from 2020 to 2022, returns with high expectations and the trust of both the management and players. After a challenging stint with the Boston Bruins that saw both peaks and valleys, Montgomery's appointment marks a fresh chapter for the Blues, who aim to reclaim their place in the upper echelons of the NHL.
Last season was a disappointment for the Blues as they fell short of playoff contention under the stewardship of Drew Bannister, who himself had taken over from Craig Berube mid-season. Bannister's tenure saw struggles that extended into the current season, with the Blues starting with a 9-12-1 record and an offense averaging only 2.36 goals per game. Recognizing the need for change, Blues management acted decisively, bringing Montgomery back into the fold.
Montgomery's return to St. Louis is underscored by mutual affection and ambition. "When you get a phone call and you hear Doug Armstrong's plan and how you're a big part of it, that makes you feel it is the right place to go," Montgomery stated, highlighting his trust and alignment with the Blues' President and General Manager, Doug Armstrong.
Familiar Faces and Renewed Commitment
One of the decisive factors contributing to Montgomery's return is the familiarity with much of the current Blues lineup. "I have worked with over half this lineup already, and I know how committed they are. For me, this was a no-brainer for me to come back home," Montgomery remarked. His past experience with the team is expected to streamline the transition and foster stronger on-ice chemistry.
Montgomery's rapport with both the players and the management is further solidified by a five-year contract, a commitment that Blues’ ownership group, led by Tom Stillman, believes is mutually beneficial. Montgomery reflected on this boost of confidence, stating, "It's about your relationships in life... The five-year deal shows the commitment of Tom Stillman and the ownership group, that we are in this together."
Success and Challenges of the Past
Montgomery steps back into the head coaching role after an eventful period in Boston, where he experienced dramatic highs and lows. Despite a challenging phase this season, including a losing streak of 12 out of 20 games resulting in his dismissal, his prior achievements cannot be overlooked. Montgomery led the Bruins to an extraordinary 65-win, 135-point season in 2022-23, earning him the accolade of Coach of the Year.
This dichotomy of success and struggle with the Bruins serves as both a cautionary tale and a source of motivation. Montgomery’s overall career points percentage of .659 speaks to his ability to orchestrate regular-season triumphs, a skill the Blues will look to leverage as they rebuild their own fortunes.
A Blueprint for the Future
With the Blues currently ranking in the bottom third of both the power play and penalty kill, there is a clear need for strategic adjustments. Montgomery's blueprint for success includes not just tactical refinements but also an emphasis on building resilient team dynamics. “The best line that put his hooks into me is, 'When you do the right thing, another door opens.' I guess I was a T-bone that day," Montgomery mused, indicating a philosophy rooted in progress and perseverance.
Montgomery’s optimism about the team’s potential is palpable. He acknowledged the competitive landscape of the league, noting, "It's not easy to make the playoffs in this league. Half the teams miss it. But I do think that in time this is a caliber playoff team." The blend of familiar faces, management support, and seasoned leadership aims to guide the Blues back to postseason prominence.
Doug Armstrong’s confidence in Montgomery is unwavering. "He's one of those coaches that I really do believe can be with this team now and as it grows." This sentiment echoes across the organization and resonates with fans eager to see the Blues return to their winning ways.
As the new head coach, Montgomery's journey will require balancing expectations, fostering development, and navigating the myriad challenges that come with re-energizing an NHL team. With support from the organization and a deep understanding of the squad, Montgomery’s homecoming could be the impetus the Blues need to turn the tide and secure their place among the league’s elite once more.