Jim Montgomery Returns to Helm the St. Louis Blues
The St. Louis Blues have turned to a familiar face to steer their ship back to the playoffs. Jim Montgomery, who served as an assistant coach for the Blues from 2020 to 2022, has been appointed as the team's head coach. This move comes after a challenging season that saw the Blues miss the playoffs under the guidance of Drew Bannister, who had himself taken over mid-season from Craig Berube.
A Season of Ups and Downs
The Blues' current season has been anything but smooth, with the team standing at a 9-12-1 record. Scoring an average of 2.36 goals per game and languishing in the bottom third for both power play and penalty kill, the struggles are evident. It was a lackluster performance that prompted the changes in leadership, with insights from Doug Armstrong, the President and General Manager of the Blues, illustrating a need for new direction. "He's one of those coaches that I really do believe can be with this team now and as it grows," Armstrong expressed, underlining the trust the management has placed in Montgomery's ability to rebuild.
Challenges and Previous Experience
Montgomery brings with him valuable experience from his previous tenure with the Boston Bruins, where he was hailed for leading the team through an impressive 65-win, 135-point season in 2022-23, earning him Coach of the Year honors. However, his journey was not without its hurdles. This season, he experienced a rough patch with the Bruins, losing 12 of 20 games before being dismissed.
Reflecting on his return to St. Louis, Montgomery candidly 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 connection to the current Blues squad is strong, having previously coached over half the lineup. Montgomery 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."
A Promising Future
The decision to hire Montgomery is not only a nod to his coaching acumen but also a significant vote of confidence from the Blues' ownership group, headed by Tom Stillman. The five-year contract symbolizes a commitment to rebuilding and long-term growth. Montgomery remarked, "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."
For Montgomery, the opportunity represents a chance to reshape a team with undoubted potential. "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 noted. The competition is fierce, with precisely half of the NHL teams missing out on playoffs each season. Yet, Montgomery's history of cultivating winning teams speaks volumes about his potential impact on the Blues.
Building Relationships and Embracing Challenges
Jim Montgomery's personal philosophy on teamwork and opportunity shines through in his reflections. He shared a poignant thought, "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 mindset will be integral as he attempts to reinvigorate a team looking for direction and his leadership.
As Montgomery steps back into a familiar role, he is tasked with developing a strategic approach to maximize the Blues’ strengths, address their deficits, and foster a culture of resilience and determination. With the support of the management and a squad eager to turn things around, Montgomery's second stint in St. Louis has all the ingredients for an intriguing and potentially transformative chapter for the Blues.
Under his guidance, the team hopes to rediscover its playoff-caliber form, aiming not only to return to the postseason but also to secure a foothold among the league's upper echelons once again.