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Jim Montgomery to be fired by the St. Louis Blues? He may be on the hot seat
A major development is unfolding in St. Louis, and it carries an uncomfortable sense of déjà vu for former Boston Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery.
When Montgomery was fired early last season in Boston, the issue that ultimately pushed the situation over the edge was effort, or the lack of it.
Bruins management believed the team wasn't competing with the urgency required, and the message was no longer landing.
Now, that same concern appears to be surfacing again with the St. Louis Blues, and it is beginning to cast doubt on his long-term security behind the Blues bench.
Following another disappointing performance, Montgomery spoke candidly about what he believes is going wrong.
«It's an effort thing,» he said when asked about the team's issues. Later, pressed on how such a problem emerges this deep into the season, Montgomery didn't hide his frustration. «I have to look at the film to have a better answer for you. But I know it starts from within from everybody.» When asked directly if he was surprised to still be searching for effort from his players at this stage of the year, he gave a blunt reply: «Yes.»
Effort concerns mirror Boston Bruins downfall and raise questions in St. Louis
As a fan watching this pattern repeat, it's hard not to feel the parallels. In Boston, Montgomery's systems were strong, but when effort faltered, so did results.
The same cracks now seem to be spreading in St. Louis. The Blues have talent, but inconsistent compete levels have led to losses piling up and tension building both inside the locker room and around the fan base.
Montgomery is respected for his communication and structure, but once effort becomes a public talking point, leadership scrutiny intensifies quickly.
If he cannot get the Blues' compete level corrected soon, St. Louis may be forced into the same decision Boston made and faster than anyone expected.
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