The St. Louis Blues have ushered in a new era with the hiring of Jim Montgomery as their head coach, a move aimed at revitalizing a team that recently missed the playoff cut. Montgomery, with a track record of success and a reputation for building strong relationships, finds himself once again at the helm, bringing a wealth of experience from previous coaching stints with the Boston Bruins and as an assistant with the Blues from 2020 to 2022.
A New Beginning
The decision to bring Montgomery back to St. Louis marks a significant shift for the Blues, who struggled last season under coach Drew Bannister. The team failed to make the playoffs, and with a current season record standing at 9-12-1, the need for change was pressing. Bannister had stepped in mid-season to replace Craig Berube, but the results were less than favorable, prompting Doug Armstrong, President and General Manager of the Blues, to act decisively.
Armstrong's vision for the team, as shared with Montgomery, was pivotal in the latter’s acceptance of the role. "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," Montgomery commented. His familiarity with the existing roster, having coached over half the lineup already, was a decisive factor. "For me, this was a no-brainer for me to come back home," he added, emphasizing his confidence in the team’s potential.
A Proven Track Record
Montgomery's coaching credentials are notable. He boasts a career points percentage of .659 and was recognized as Coach of the Year for the 2022-23 season following an impressive 65-win, 135-point campaign with the Bruins. Despite a challenging spell with Boston this season, which included a 12-game skid out of 20 matches, his overall success rate remains commendable.
His tenure with the Bruins, however, ended on a low note earlier this season. Yet, the challenges faced have not detracted from the potential Montgomery brings to his new role. Tom Stillman, head of the Blues' ownership group, underscored the commitment to Montgomery with a five-year deal, signaling a shared belief in the long-term project. "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," Montgomery stated, highlighting the mutual dedication to rebuilding the team.
Turning the Tide
Montgomery's arrival aims to address immediate performance issues, notably the team's ranking in the bottom third for both power play and penalty kill, areas critical to sustaining a successful season. The Blues are currently averaging a mere 2.36 goals per game, a statistic that underlines the need for strategic enhancement under new leadership.
Montgomery is optimistic about the team’s prospects, despite acknowledging the inherent challenges. "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 asserted. His familiarity with half of the squad offers a foundational advantage in launching a turnaround strategy, leveraging past relationships and insights into player capabilities.
Looking Forward
The decision to entrust Montgomery with the head coaching position speaks volumes about the Blues' intent to realign their path to success. He arrives with not just a tactical playbook but also an inspiring philosophy borne from experience. Montgomery shared a sentiment that has guided his career: "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," he reminisced, hopeful of translating such positivity into on-ice results.
As the new livewire at the Blues’ helm, Jim Montgomery carries the dual task of reviving a team in need of fresh momentum while fostering a winning culture that fans and stakeholders fervently desire. His track record and attitude suggest a promising horizon for the Blues, who are eager to transform potential into playoff performance.