Jim Montgomery's return to the St. Louis Blues marks a new chapter for the team and the seasoned coach. After an eventful tenure as an assistant coach for the Blues from 2020 to 2022, Montgomery has come full circle, stepping into the role of head coach. His appointment follows a challenging season for the Blues under Drew Bannister, who took over from Craig Berube mid-season. Last season, the Blues fell short of securing a playoff spot, a fate Montgomery is keen to avoid.
Challenges and Opportunities
The Blues have been struggling early in the current season, holding a 9-12-1 record. These early setbacks are compounded by issues with special teams, as the team ranks in the bottom third for both power play and penalty kill. Furthermore, the Blues have been averaging only 2.36 goals per game, a statistic that does not bode well for playoff aspirations. Nevertheless, Montgomery is optimistic, drawing from his extensive experience and past successes. "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 shared, expressing his excitement about joining forces with the team's management.
A Promising Partnership
Montgomery's journey back to the Blues is bolstered by his impressive track record. His career highlights include a stellar 65-win, 135-point season with the Boston Bruins in 2022-23, which earned him the prestigious Coach of the Year award. Despite a subsequent dismissal following a tough stretch of losses, Montgomery's career points percentage stands at .659, a testament to his capability and resilience. Doug Armstrong, the Blues' President and General Manager, is confident in Montgomery’s fit, stating, "He's one of those coaches that I really do believe can be with this team now and as it grows."
Building on Relationships
One of Montgomery's distinct advantages is his familiarity with the Blues' roster, having previously coached over half of the current lineup. This existing rapport is something he values deeply. "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," he remarked. With this established camaraderie, Montgomery is well-positioned to embed his strategies and foster a team culture oriented towards success.
Leadership's Commitment
Backing from the Blues' ownership signifies a long-term vision shared by both parties. The five-year deal reflects the solid commitment from Tom Stillman and the ownership group. Montgomery perceives this stability as an assurance of mutual commitment, stating, "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." This alliance aims to not only enhance the team's current performance but also secure its position as a competitive force in the league.
The Road Ahead
Entering the NHL playoffs is no small feat, with half of the teams missing the cut each year. Yet, Montgomery remains hopeful. "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." Armed with past experiences and a robust support system, Montgomery's vision for the Blues is clear and precise. He reflects on his journey with optimism, quoting the adage, "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."
As Jim Montgomery embarks on this pivotal role with the St. Louis Blues, fans and management alike await to see how his strategic acumen and leadership skills will shape the team’s journey. With seasoned players and a renewed direction under Montgomery's guidance, the Blues are set on a path towards reclaiming their stature in the league.