Jim Montgomery Rejoins the Blues as Head Coach: A Promising New Chapter
In a move that many in the hockey world anticipated, Jim Montgomery has taken the helm as the head coach of the St. Louis Blues. His return marks a hopeful new chapter for the franchise, which has been struggling to regain its competitive edge. Montgomery, who served as an assistant coach for the Blues from 2020 to 2022, is stepping into a leadership role with the team, which desperately needs a fresh start after missing the playoffs last season.
Under the tenure of coach Drew Bannister, who had taken over for Craig Berube in December, the Blues were unable to find their rhythm, ending the season disappointingly outside the playoff bracket. Bannister's departure left an opening that Montgomery now fills, bringing not only his prior experience with the team but also an impressive coaching pedigree.
A Dynamic Coaching History
Montgomery arrives in St. Louis following a brief but noteworthy tenure with the Boston Bruins. Despite being dismissed after a challenging season characterized by a 12-out-of-20 game losing streak, his stint with the Bruins included a remarkable 65-win, 135-point season in 2022-23, earning him the honor of Coach of the Year. His overall career points percentage of .659 attests to his strategic acumen and ability to inspire winning performances.
"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," Montgomery stated, acknowledging the difficulties ahead while expressing confidence in the potential of the current Blues roster. His familiarity with over half the current lineup is expected to facilitate a smoother transition and quicker adaptation to his coaching philosophy.
Building Relationships and Looking Ahead
Jim Montgomery places a high value on relationships, both on and off the ice. "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 mentioned, highlighting the strong backing from the organization's leadership, which includes General Manager Doug Armstrong and Blues owner Tom Stillman.
Armstrong shared his faith in Montgomery's vision and leadership: "He's one of those coaches that I really do believe can be with this team now and as it grows," indicating a long-term strategy aimed at not only immediate improvement but sustainable success.
With the Blues currently ranking in the lower tiers for both power play and penalty kill, and averaging just 2.36 goals per game, Montgomery's task is formidable. However, the optimism within the organization suggests a revitalized focus and determination that could indeed transform the team's fortunes.
Returning Home with Renewed Purpose
Montgomery's return to St. Louis is also a homecoming of sorts, not only professionally but personally. "For me, this was a no-brainer to come back home," he asserted emphatically, reflecting a sense of destiny and belonging. The groundwork for this reunion was laid when he received a pivotal phone call from Doug Armstrong, "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."
"I have worked with over half this lineup already, and I know how committed they are," Montgomery reiterated, signaling a readiness to hit the ground running and build on his existing rapport with the players. His previous tenure with the team gives him a unique insight into its internal dynamics, which could prove invaluable as he implements his strategic plans.
As the St. Louis Blues navigate through a challenging season start with a 9-12-1 record, Montgomery's leadership will be put to the test. Fans and analysts alike await to see how his presence will shape the team's trajectory in the coming months. While the path to the playoffs is fraught with challenges, Montgomery's return injects a sense of hope and possibility.
In the world of professional hockey, where the margins between victory and defeat are often razor-thin, having a coach who understands the team's culture, harnesses collective talent, and imbues confidence could make all the difference. Only time will tell if Montgomery's homecoming will translate into success on the ice, but the St. Louis Blues are undoubtedly a team to watch as the season unfolds.