Doug Armstrong addressing Bannister/Montgomery swap

[@dmomintz]

While I feel bad for Bannister, this was a must sign. You cannot pass up a coach with that kind of winning record in this league.

[@theawkwardgamer8798]

Bannister can just take his old job back and still get paid as a head coach for the next two years

[@CrazyBinner]

Monty is NOT a good coach. He had a great team. He couldnt coach a Pee Wee team. At best an assistant

[@goaliecoachmike]

Proven Champion and played for Shawn Walsh at UMaine. 1993 NCAA national champion (player) 2011 Clark Cup 2013 Anderson Cup 2013 Clark Cup 2014 NCHC Tournament champion 2017 NCHC regular season champion 2017 NCAA national champion 2018 NCHC tournament champion

[@AgentG128]

All the better if he got picked up by someone not in the Atlantic Division, like Detroit (I'm primarily a Leafs fan, myself) That being said, if the Blues go on to win the Cup before the Bruins win their next Cup, I'm gonna laugh my ass off XD

[@meddyven]

Montgomery isn't getting this team to the playoffs, this season or next. They're 2/3 years away, from the prospects in Springfield, being ready. This was a classless move.

[@NBAHOOPS25]

Best decision you guys have made since hiring burube

[@Fliming_oo]

I agree

[@steveunger8249]

Reading some of these comments trouble me. Sounding like "fair weather friends." I've been following this franchise since the beginning. I'm excited for the future. Some of the comments I understand, but not every franchise can have perpetual success. The Blues were dealt misfortune due to factors out of their control. Covid being just one of them. Free Agency, Salary Cap and other issues were real challenges. We watched young players develop that are spread around the league, Barbesev being one of them. Accept it, the Blues, Detroit and the Pens would inevitably take a step back. Some of this talk existed in the years prior to the cup year, get over it. I am excited to see this young talent arrive and develop. Give it some time.

[@bonkz2624]

Finally someone with some sense. Social media has made all the casual fans louder. I always say just sit back and enjoy the ride.

[@cloroxborax]

Comments are never representative of the whole, especially on KZbin. There's still sanity out there.

[@genereynolds3296]

From Boston: Good luck to Monty. He was the scapegoat here for players who blatantly underperformed. Wish him all the best.

[@meddyven]

TRUTH, just like Cassidy, and we all know how that turned out!

[@sdsmt99]

The designated Boston Spokesman has spoken.

[@ogballa7718]

@@meddyvenL

[@genofick5760]

Let's Go Blues!

[@ShaunYoung-u1w]

I loved the Holloway and Broberg offer sheets. Kyrou Thomas and Buch was one of the best lines in hockey last year. I look at this roster and see a playoff team. Hopefully this coaching change gets the guys to realize their potential. Go Blues! Love from Vancouver! Always been a fan since the CuJo days.

[@Rustino44]

Thank you for your support and... Let's Go BLUUUUUUUES!

[@juliecorley3635]

Great move Army!! Had to be done. Sorry Mr. Bannister. We wish you well.

[@Archman2312]

"Swap" is one way to describe it

[@CharlesTPrimm]

Still amazed that in spite of broad advances in technology we still can't hear questions at a press conference.

[@kprep3376]

BEST OF LUCK MONTY !!!! SWEENY IS A DUMB BASS TO LET YOU GO !!!

[@steveunger8249]

Say what you want about Army, but he is dedicated and has nads. I feel bad for Bannistrer but it's a good move.

[@jayadelman5705]

I don't think we have a coaching problem atm. It's a player issue. We are too lackadaisical with the puck and pass when we should be putting the puck on net.

[@jeffgerst3619]

What a clueless question asking if this team is headed to the playoffs. This team has so many holes I can hear Jim mora screaming Playoffs?! PLAYOFFS?!!!

[@mtlbstrd]

Man, I’m stoked about Monty. I’m no prophet but when news broke about Boston letting him go, coupled with the recent struggles of the Blues I told a buddy that Drew would be out and Jim would be in! Best of luck Mr. Bannister, and Let’s Go BLUES!!!

[@RealAmericanIntelligence]

Every Blues fan should be excited for this hire. This is also a coach who wants to be here and truly work with the talent on this team. Remember when Davis Payne was replaced by Ken Hitchcock after only 13 games. The team responded and developed into a contender that did lead to winning it all with Craig Berube. This team needs an experienced head coach to get the most out of it, and not a head coach who is learning on the fly.

[@senseofjustice0218]

Glad to see this team make a good move. Watching Bannister coach was like watching bleach being poured into my eyes.

[@dizeestl]

kyrou the coach killer woooo

[@rickbeyer3424]

Yeah and maybe Monty will either kick start him or kick him out. Either way will be a plus.

[@Trainboyninja]

Rouzy is 2nd in goals and first in points and assists; he's also tied 2nd in +/-, so he's not the problem. and Bannister was a winning coach with a mid-team. such a dumb move by the blues.

[@Daisheng-76]

@@Trainboyninja who the hell is Rouzy?

[@nsant]

Along with trains comment, kyrou is also first in xgoals, assists, primary assists, pm drawn vs taken, shots on goals per game, shot attempts per game, flurry adjusted xgoals, on ice goal differential in all situations, xrebounds created, created xgoals, created xgoals minus actual xgoals, shooting talent above average, and shooting talent above xgoals. Don't forget about those.

[@Daisheng-76]

@@nsant my favorite is flurry adjusted xgoals 👍🏻

[@EvanCatani]

Let’s face it, Bannister was a short term solution for a long term problem. He was never sticking around.

[@Blackwolf454]

Monty is not fixing it ether. I don't know why people see him as some kind of savior

[@EvanCatani]

@ not saying he’s a savior but there’s Einstein’s saying about insanity… You can’t stick with the same equation and expect something to change. At least they’re trying different things to change the team’s performance. With Montgomery, at least you have more experience and was good with special teams. The Blues’ Power Play is absolutely atrocious right now. Improving the record is the next step, THEN you can talk about making the playoffs, then so on and so forth. You don’t pass up on a guy like him. I’ll at least give him until the end of the season to improve the team before making a judgment call. I don’t think it’s asking a lot for Blues fans to do the same.

[@griffinboynton4115]

So they shouldn’t have removed the interim tag and made him permanent coach. They led Bannister on and then chopped him barely a quarter into the season. It’s wrong and a complete betrayal

[@STLBLUES100]

​@@griffinboynton4115you know the Blues actually wanted Montgomery before they decided to give Bannister the job? That's why they waited so long. If Boston had lost in the 1st round, rumors were that Montgomery would be fired. They didn't and Boston kept him. So the Blues had no choice but to wait. That's also why the gave Bannister a short contract. Because Montgomery's and Bannister's contracts would end at the same time.

[@STLBLUES100]

​@@Blackwolf454Montgomery can fix it. He's good with the Blues main problems. That's a big reason why he's been a successful coach.

[@jert33]

Fortune favors the bold. Let's go Blues!

[@jeffreymiller1440]

Has anyone thought that the dismantling of our team is Armstrong’s fault

[@Daisheng-76]

@@jeffreymiller1440 letting pietrangelo go and Perron really fucked this team up. Nobody’s perfect, Armstrong has made some mistakes but overall I really like him & he does have some balls & tries to make this team better rather than just sitting around like a lot of GMs

[@meddyven]

Armstrong needs to be pink slipped.

[@jimmyjoseph51]

The problem with the Blues isn't the coach. It's the people on the ice. If I'm coaching an NHL team, I want players who know how to focus and work their butts off every minute of every game. No coddling allowed. I want players on my team who want their name on the Stanley Cup and will do whatever it takes to realize their goal. Unwavering desire and determination is required and if the players don't have it then they won't be on the team, period. My motto for my players is simple when playing the game: Take the shortest route to the puck and arrive there in Ill humor. Everything else will take care of itself. Good luck to Jim Montgomery... he'll need it with the group that currently wears the Bluenote.

[@Clobb3ring_tim3]

Torts is taking that approach in Philly and it takes time he’s been here 3 years now and has definitely done good with that approach but we still aren’t there yet.

[@sethschackmann6200]

I really hate to agree with you but from my perspective it’s so true. I don’t know what effect Covid really had, but before that we were on track to be a successful team. Bome had his heart issues then some grate players retired, others went elsewhere and we just flat lined. But I don’t see much difference between Berube and Banister as far as quality games.

[@ziggystardustFUGOOGLE]

look, did the same with Chief screw the coach to save his job . Coaches can only do so much with the "talent"

[@bonkz2624]

Right. Go root for berube up in Toronto. Berube lost this team. Bannister was not ready to be a full-time nhl coach and Montgomery has the pedigree to be a great coach in st louis. Please just go root for Toronto.

[@STLBLUES100]

Then go root for the Maple Leafs.

[@jasonb8081]

When are the players going to be held responsible and start being let go.

[@toddpund5761]

Jim loved Dubuque in the USHL..

[@medievaltimes6473]

Let's fucking go.

[@toddford9839]

The lines have been different almost every night. They change throughout the game too. Stick to a plan. Moving guys around constantly then expecting consistency from them doesnt work.

[@brianlb78]

Year and hald in to the "re tool" what is he talking about. He's been saying its a retool for 3 seasons now

[@jeffgerst3619]

When will Armstrong deal with the real problem? He’s given inflated contracts to children who just won’t grow up. I’m thrilled with Montgomery but bannister inherited a cesspool. This is grossly unfair to bannister.

[@toddpund5761]

Bingo!

[@JayRoberts244]

No it’s not unfair when the team digressed over the past several weeks and if you watched the games it wasn’t just the injuries

[@toddpund5761]

@@JayRoberts244 lol

[@nedeninja420f8]

Only big money contracts are Thomas buch and kyrou . If you think they're the problem you are sadly mistaken

[@hockey4123]

Are you referring to Jordan Kyrou? He has absolutely grown up this season. This is by far his best season as a Blue, he is playing defense, he's back checking, maybe next time actually watch the games.

[@JohnDoe-hu9ve]

I don’t disagree that we needed a change- but I’m ready to give Steve Ott a chance.

[@ChiefBlue4298]

We need somebody who has experience at head coach

[@jeffgerst3619]

I was convinced when bannister only got a two year deal Ott would take over oonce steen moved up.

[@jackmakackov7077]

He has young children. He may not want that much work, and he doesnt need the money

[@Daisheng-76]

He’ll get a chance somewhere & sometime, he’ll be just fine

[@claytonwyatt9780]

Nah. I’d argue the opposite.

[@Guccityrone91]

⚜️💯

[@MexicanMovie]

Let's look at how things have played out: Coach Berube gets fired and players sound like Bannister is the best thing since sliced bread and they are excited about the opportunities.... players peter out and sour on Bannister and now they hire Coach Montgomery... thank goodness Jim has a 5 year contract, this time start firing players, not good coaches like Chief.... and Quenneville too for that matter. Blues have a history of making bad decisions with coaches.

[@19Blueslifer70]

No coach can teach having heart. You either have it or ya don’t. When is ownership going to address the real problem?

[@iamnewfie1]

kryou is next out the door...

[@dizeestl]

we can only hope

[@aaronanderson16]

You are all clowns. Kyrou is a second line winger, and so far our best offensive player so far this year. But he is being asked to be an elite winger when he isn’t. On a good team he is a second line winger adding secondary scoring. He is literally growing and getting better every month right in front of our eyes but you fair weather fans only focus on the mistakes. He is better of the d side, he goes to the dirty areas and gets rewarded more often. But he does make mistakes but you refuse to see his growth much like people wanted Perron gone back in the day and couldn’t see his growth until he came back.

[@toddford9839]

I get mad when mistakes cost us points but unless we get someone elite in return I can't see parting with one of our top 3 forwards

[@STLBLUES100]

Wrong. He's one of the Blues best players on offense. Does he make mistakes at times? Yes, but that doesn't mean to get rid of him.

[@robertwells6724]

Playofffs!? Playoffs? You are talking Playoffs?

[@robocock475]

At least Nashville didn't get him with its trashy fanbase littering the ice with catfish in April

[@rapideye85]

Jim couldn't get the best out of the Bruins as of two weeks ago so how could he out of the current Blues roster? It doesn't look good at the organizational level

[@originalhoosier9288]

Berube could not get the best of of the Blues either. Sometimes a different voice saying the same thing the team has heard before does wonders. Obviously the team did not respect Bannister. Is there some spoiled apples in the bunch, we shall find out.

[@aaronanderson16]

He got an aging mediocre Bruins team to complete overachieve for two years. Eventually milking everything you can out of an aging roster becomes impossible. What has Sweeney done to help Monty see a bright future? It’s Pasta, McAvoy and Marchand… after that this team doesn’t have a lot. Go look at their centers and tell me there is a future there. In 2-5 years they are going to be where the Blues are now.

[@STLBLUES100]

Because the problem is the Bruins roster. You know Boston had fired three good head coached under their current front office? Claude Julien, Bruce Cassidy, and Jim Montgomery. All of them were successful too. I'm also sure all three even won the Jack Adams Award. Cassidy ended up winning a Stanley Cup for the Vegas Golden Knights.

[@meddyven]

Armstrong telling Banister, you're not an NHL coach, just our bridge. What a despicable attitude! It's up to Armstrong to take the hit for putting such a poor team on the ice. He could have traded for Askarov, and traded Binnington, but blind loyalty is VERY EXPENSIVE!

[@griffinboynton4115]

You’re spot on! They betrayed Bannister big time! Imagine going to prom with your favorite person, and then as you arrive at the establishment hosting the prom, you get shunned and stood up because “someone better became available.”

[@acrippledstonerz]

i don't have anything against Jim but Drew needed to go he got the offense going but it wore off from last season something had to change I was more hoping we would bring in coach Q he is the best coach out there someone just has to be brave enough to hire him

[@toddpund5761]

Keep montgomery away from the ice girls...

[@bocephus124]

Doug you are problem with this team

[@teddyrobinson813]

The Blues are currently a mess, from Stanley Cup Champs to bottom feeding chumps in just 5 seasons--GM Armstrong has made some really poor choices IMHO, starting with not retaining Pietrangelo and ending with firing Coach Berube, with not retaining Ryan O'Reilly right in the middle.

[@claytonwyatt9780]

O’Reilly didn’t want to resign here, he wanted to move on. What the Blues are going through is normal for a team that won it all a handful of years ago.

[@senseofjustice0218]

I really wish Blues fans would stop freaking out about Pietrangelo. He was awful in the last postseason with his idiotic penalties last year and him taking out Draisaitl in garbage time two years ago was the only reason why Vegas won a cup. He's miles away from being a top defenseman, at this point he's a glorified goon.

[@jeffreymiller1440]

I believe he let to much of the team walk and replace it with AHL level talent, and it doesn’t compete with NHL level talent, you will not have a winning season

[@davidminor4213]

Letting Petro go was a mistake, but the philosophy behind it isn't. Letting go of Backes, Shatty, Vlad, Elliott, Perron, etc wasn't. I miss all those gus but at the same time I don't want to be the Blackhawks either.

[@mercywilliams2698]

There’s good energy on this Blues team..and it is often a difference maker to have a coach helming things who brings that kind of must win enthusiasm as well. The present coach looked challenged. This is a team in a different place from 2019 and magnificent Cup realization. But with a rich history of postseason appearances..you want a coach who can underscore the relevance of the legacy and promote continuance. 🌿💙🩵🦋🏆