The Return of Jim Montgomery: A New Phase for the St. Louis Blues
In a significant shift that may reshape the fortunes of the St. Louis Blues, Jim Montgomery has been appointed as the head coach, bringing a fresh perspective and hopeful turnaround for the team. Montgomery, who was an assistant coach with the Blues from 2020 to 2022, returns in a new, pivotal role with an ambition to reignite the team’s spirit.
Montgomery's Coaching Journey
Jim Montgomery's journey to head coach of the St. Louis Blues has been a roller coaster. Previously dismissed from the Boston Bruins, Montgomery faced a tumultuous season that included a losing streak of 12 out of 20 games. Despite this setback, his tenure with the Bruins saw him celebrate significant achievements, like leading the team to a historic 65-win, 135-point season in 2022-23, which earned him the accolade of Coach of the Year.
In one of his memorable quotes, Montgomery remarked on the implications of opportunity: "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."
A New Chapter for the Blues
Under the leadership of Doug Armstrong, President and General Manager, and with backing from Tom Stillman and the ownership group, the Blues are poised to rebuild after missing the playoffs last season with Drew Bannister at the helm. Bannister took over mid-season, replacing Craig Berube, as the team struggled to a 9-12-1 start.
This past vulnerability is a challenge Montgomery is eager to tackle. He shared, "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." His previous tenure with the team, working with over half the current lineup, adds to his confidence: "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."
The Road to Playoffs
Montgomery inherits a team searching for a strategic overhaul. Currently, the Blues average 2.36 goals per game and rank among the bottom third in both power play and penalty kill statistics. Despite these lower rankings, Montgomery sees potential, 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."
His confidence is backed by his career points percentage of .659 and an unwavering belief in the commitment of the team's core players and management. Montgomery elaborated on the partnership and vision shared with the Blues’ leadership as essential for success: "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."
A Vision for Growth
As Montgomery sets his sights on steering the Blues back into the playoffs, he aligns with the broader vision of rebuilding and growth expressed by Doug Armstrong: "He's one of those coaches that I really do believe can be with this team now and as it grows."
The cooperative effort between Montgomery and the Blues’ leadership aims not only to enhance the team's on-ice performance but to cultivate a committed environment for the players and fans alike. Montgomery’s return heralds a potential renewal for the Blues, a promise of diligent work toward realizing the team's latent potential. The synergy he brings to the ice may indeed be pivotal in inspiring the team and its supporters towards a more promising season.
As Montgomery steps into this new phase with the Blues, the anticipation of a rejuvenated performance lingers. The St. Louis faithful will no doubt wait eagerly to see how Montgomery’s strategies and past experiences translate into victories for their beloved team. In collaborating closely with management and leveraging his substantial expertise, Montgomery stands ready to carve a new chapter in Blues' history.