Jim Montgomery's Return to St. Louis: A New Chapter for the Blues
After a tumultuous period marked by playoff disappointments and coaching changes, the St. Louis Blues are poised for a fresh start with the hiring of Jim Montgomery as head coach. In a league where making the playoffs is a formidable challenge, as Montgomery himself noted, the Blues are banking on his leadership to guide the team back to postseason contention.
The move to bring Montgomery back to the Blues, where he previously served as an assistant coach from 2020-22, signals a significant step in the team's strategy to reshape and reinvigorate their roster. Under the previous head coach, Drew Bannister, the Blues struggled last season, missing the playoffs—a disappointing end to a season marked by challenges and transitions.
Montgomery steps in with not only familiarity with over half of the current Blues lineup but also a track record that inspires confidence. Despite his recent difficulties with the Boston Bruins—where he faced a losing streak of 12 out of 20 games this season—Montgomery's tenure there wasn't without its highlights. A spectacular 65-win, 135-point season in 2022-23 earned him the prestigious Coach of the Year award.
The Blues' management is optimistic about this new chapter. Doug Armstrong, the team’s President and General Manager, expressed his belief in Montgomery's ability to lead the team, stating, "He's one of those coaches that I really do believe can be with this team now and as it grows." Such endorsement, coupled with the commitment shown by the Blues' ownership under Tom Stillman, highlights the significant trust and long-term vision invested in this hiring.
Montgomery himself is enthusiastic about this new opportunity. Reflecting on his decision, he remarked, “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." It's clear that for Montgomery, this role is more than just another job; it's a chance to return to a familiar environment and contribute meaningfully to the team's future success.
For Montgomery, relationships and familiarity with the team are crucial components of his coaching philosophy. He stated, "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." His previous experience with the Blues players and his understanding of their dynamics offer hope that he can swiftly adapt and implement strategies that would lead to improved performance on the ice.
The challenges he faces are considerable. The Blues began the current season with a subpar 9-12-1 record and are averaging a meager 2.36 goals per game. Both their power play and penalty kill rank in the bottom third of the league. Addressing these issues will be at the forefront of Montgomery’s agenda as he aims to pivot the team towards a more competitive stance.
Despite these hurdles, Montgomery appears undeterred. His belief in the team's capability to become a playoff caliber contender is unwavering. "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," he asserts, setting a tone of optimism and determination.
Montgomery's approach goes beyond just tactics and statistics. He emphasizes the importance of integrity and growth, encapsulated in his reflection, "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." His perspective suggests that his return to St. Louis is not merely a professional move but an integral step in his broader personal and career journey.
As the Blues prepare to embark on this new era under Montgomery's guidance, the blend of familiarity, experience, and renewed ambition brings a palpable sense of anticipation to the team and its loyal fan base. The commitment from management and ownership alike, cemented in a five-year deal, reflects a shared vision that aims to see the Blues not just return to the playoffs, but to thrive within them.