Montgomery Returns to St. Louis as Head Coach
In a move that has reignited hope among the St. Louis Blues faithful, Jim Montgomery has been hired as the team's new head coach. Montgomery, who previously served as an assistant coach with the Blues from 2020 to 2022, brings a wealth of experience and an intimate familiarity with the team's roster. With the Blues currently struggling with a 9-12-1 record, Montgomery's appointment is a strategic attempt to stabilize the team and chart a new course for success.
Past Challenges and New Opportunities
Jim Montgomery's coaching journey has been a rollercoaster, marked by both impressive accomplishments and significant challenges. A high point came during his tenure with the Boston Bruins, where he led the team through an extraordinary 65-win, 135-point season in 2022-23. His impressive performance earned him the prestigious Coach of the Year award for the same season. Despite these accolades, Montgomery's final days in Boston were marred by a losing streak, dropping 12 out of 20 games, which ultimately led to his dismissal.
Montgomery's return to the Blues marks a fresh chapter, and he is fully committed to the project's long-term success. Speaking on his appointment, Montgomery said, "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." This sentiment highlights his enthusiasm and belief in the team's potential under the strategic guidance of Blues President and General Manager Doug Armstrong.
Rebuilding with Familiar Faces
One of Montgomery's key advantages is his familiarity with the current Blues lineup, having previously coached over half of the players. "I have worked with over half this lineup already, and I know how committed they are. For me, this was a no-brainer to come back home," he noted. This existing rapport with the team's core players could prove invaluable as he seeks to instill his coaching philosophy and turn around their fortunes.
The Blues' recent struggles under coach Drew Bannister, who had taken over from Craig Berube in December, underscore the need for fresh leadership. Missing the playoffs last season was a significant blow for the franchise, particularly in a league where just half of the teams reach the postseason each year.
Montgomery's challenge is formidable. The Blues are currently averaging just 2.36 goals per game and are languishing in the bottom third of the league in both the power play and penalty kill. However, Montgomery remains optimistic, stating, "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."
A Five-Year Commitment
As Montgomery embarks on this new journey, the support from the Blues' ownership is evident in the terms of his contract. A five-year deal reflects the organization's trust and long-term vision. "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," Montgomery commented, emphasizing the mutual dedication to the team's success.
Montgomery's career points percentage of .659 speaks volumes about his ability to extract the best from his teams. This, coupled with his established relationships within the Blues organization, makes him a suitable figure to navigate the challenges ahead.
A New Era Begins
While the path forward for the Blues is fraught with difficulties, the combination of Montgomery's track record and his familiarity with the team instills hope for a turnaround. The words of Doug Armstrong resonate with belief: "He's one of those coaches that I really do believe can be with this team now and as it grows." Such confidence from the management is a testament to Montgomery’s capabilities and vision.
As the Blues gear up for the rest of the season under Montgomery’s guidance, all eyes will be on how he leverages his experience and relationships to revive the team's performance. The St. Louis community, along with its ownership, eagerly anticipates a new chapter filled with promise and resilience. With Montgomery at the helm, the pursuit of playoff hockey in St. Louis is poised to reclaim its momentum. The fans can only hope that this return to the helm signifies a grand comeback for the Blues.