After a challenging season, the St. Louis Blues are betting on a familiar face to steer them back to success. In a recent announcement, Jim Montgomery is set to return to the Blues, this time as the head coach. Montgomery, who served as an assistant coach for the Blues from 2020 to 2022, is looking to reignite the spark that has been missing since he departed.
Montgomery's Return and Repercussions
Montgomery's journey back to the Blues comes amidst a backdrop of unmet expectations and pivotal transitions for the team. The 2022-23 season saw the Blues miss the playoffs under the leadership of coach Drew Bannister, who had himself stepped in after the mid-season departure of Craig Berube the previous December. With the current season opening on a 9-12-1 record, the team is in urgent need of a turnaround.
This new appointment marks a significant shift for Montgomery, who was previously let go by the Boston Bruins following a rocky start to the season, instrumentalized by losing 12 out of 20 games. However, Montgomery's recent past holds promise, with an impressive record that includes a 65-win, 135-point season and the honor of being named Coach of the Year for the 2022-23 season. His career points percentage stands at a respectable .659.
The Appeal of Familiar Territory
Montgomery’s return to the Blues is more than just a second chance; it's a reunion with players he has worked with extensively. “I have worked with over half this lineup already, and I know how committed they are,” Montgomery revealed, emphasizing his confidence in the squad. His connection to the Blues' current lineup could be crucial in rebuilding the team's on-ice chemistry and reversing its fortunes.
His appointment has been warmly received by the Blues' administration, notably Doug Armstrong, the President and General Manager. Armstrong expressed optimism: "He's one of those coaches that I really do believe can be with this team now and as it grows.” With a five-year deal in place, consummated by Tom Stillman and the ownership group, there’s a long-term commitment to building success with Montgomery at the helm.
The Task Ahead
The task before Montgomery is formidable. The Blues are struggling with an average of just 2.36 goals per game and find themselves ranked in the bottom third in both the power play and penalty kill categories. These statistics reflect the challenges Montgomery will need to address to push the team into playoff contention.
Montgomery’s mindset resonates with cautious optimism. Reflecting on the probability of playoff placement, he acknowledged, "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." Instead of seeing these odds as insurmountable, Montgomery is focused on nurturing a culture of improvement and harnessed potential.
A Strategic Vision
Montgomery’s return is intertwined with a strategic vision shared by the club's management. He remarks, "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." This statement not only highlights the unified direction and purpose shared by Montgomery and Blues management but also establishes expectations for the upcoming years.
The dedication to Montgomery’s leadership is further underlined by his reflections on the organization's loyalty: “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." Such endorsements from both the coaching and administrative sides indicate a shared belief in a brighter future for the Blues.
Despite the Blues' recent struggles and Montgomery's turbulent experience with the Bruins, there is a palpable feeling of potential and hope surrounding his reappointment. The story of Jim Montgomery and the St. Louis Blues underscores resilience, relationships, and the ambitious pursuit of achievement.