Montgomery's New Chapter with the Blues
In a significant move aimed at reversing the fortunes of the St. Louis Blues, Jim Montgomery has been appointed as the head coach. Montgomery, who brings with him a wealth of experience and a proven track record, takes over from Drew Bannister who couldn't steer the Blues to the playoffs last season.
The St. Louis Blues found themselves at a crossroads after a disappointing campaign. Bannister had replaced Craig Berube mid-season, but couldn't breathe new life into the team, leaving the Blues with a disappointing 9-12-1 record to start the current season. It's a scenario that prompted Doug Armstrong, President and General Manager of the Blues, to seek a fresh perspective.
Armstrong expressed his enthusiasm about Montgomery's arrival, highlighting the coach's potential impact: "He's one of those coaches that I really do believe can be with this team now and as it grows." This belief is underpinned by Montgomery's previous success, including an impressive tenure with the Boston Bruins, which included a record-setting 65-win, 135-point season and accolades as the Coach of the Year for the 2022-23 season.
Challenges and Opportunities
Montgomery's journey to St. Louis wasn't without its challenges. His stint with the Bruins saw a rough patch, ending with his dismissal after a losing streak of 12 out of 20 games earlier this season. Despite this setback, his career .659 points percentage stands as a testament to his coaching prowess.
Now at the helm of the Blues, Montgomery faces the task of revitalizing a team that ranks in the bottom third of the NHL in both power play and penalty kill. The Blues are currently averaging just 2.36 goals per game, a statistic that all but ensures the need for a strategic overhaul.
Montgomery, however, remains optimistic. "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," he shared, reflecting on the long-term vision he shares with the team's leadership.
The Familiar Faces
One of the advantages Montgomery brings to his new position is familiarity with the roster. Over half the lineup are players he has coached before, providing a level of immediate rapport and understanding. This familiarity could be pivotal as Montgomery looks to implement his strategies and rally the team.
Indeed, Montgomery sees his return to the Blues as both a professional and personal homecoming. "For me, this was a no-brainer for me to come back home," he said, emphasizing his confidence in the players’ commitment and potential.
Building Towards Playoff Potential
While changing the team dynamics overnight remains a challenge, Montgomery is candid about the road ahead. "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 remarked. It's this belief that underlines his strategy as he attempts to transform the Blues into a competitive force this season and beyond.
For Montgomery, the journey with the Blues begins with the right mindset and the right moves. When discussing what motivates him, he cited, "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." This philosophy will likely guide him as he takes on one of the most challenging roles in his career.
The St. Louis Blues are at the cusp of what could be an exciting new era under Jim Montgomery's guidance. As the season unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Montgomery can replicate his previous successes and lead the Blues back to the playoffs.