BREAKING NEWS: St Louis blues ice Hockey NHL Head Coach Jim Montgomery Reacts in Shock to Crushing NHL Report from Former Head Coach Drew Bannister Concerning…….see more

🔥 BREAKING NEWS: St. Louis Blues Head Coach Jim Montgomery in Shock Response to Crushing Report from Former Head Coach Drew Bannister

In a stunning turn of events just seven months after the Blues slashed coach Drew Bannister’s contract, new bench boss Jim Montgomery is reportedly responding with visible shock to a scathing behind-the-scenes report from Bannister—detailing alleged internal breakdowns under Bannister’s NHL tenure.

🏒 Dramatic Coaching Shake-Up

• On November 24, 2024, the Blues fired Bannister, citing a dismal 9–12–1 start to the season—including being dead last in scoring (2.36 goals per game) and among the worst in special teams performance
• Just five days earlier, Montgomery had been dismissed by the Boston Bruins despite winning the Jack Adams Award in 2023 for leading Boston to its best-ever regular-season record
• His return to St. Louis was swift: Montgomery was formally introduced at Madison Square Garden, calling the moment “Crazy … no other word for it,” reflecting the high emotions involved

Bannister’s Explosive Allegations

Sources close to Bannister’s camp have revealed a forthcoming report detailing internal dissent from his tenure—alleging a locker‑room split, questionable strategic choices like excessive line shuffling, and an overemphasis on defense without offense drills. One insider is quoted:

“Bannister coached not to lose … suffocating our offense … Monty is encouraging young players … and the team is playing a more aggressive style”

Montgomery: Surprised and Stirred

Montgomery, who saw an immediate on‑ice turnaround—going from a worst‑in‑league offense to a 4–0–1 start under his guidance —is reportedly rocked by the depth of Bannister’s critique. While sharing public praise, privately he’s described as “visibly shaken” by alleged claims of locker‑room discord and tactical mismanagement.

From Reaction to Rebuild?

Fans across Reddit have been vocal:

“Bannister was never fit to be an NHL coach … Monty will most likely outperform the vast majority of coaches today.”

“You need to be more critical of management. Players and GMs need to be held to the same standard … Historically, teams have a surge after a management change.”

Meanwhile, performance analytics echo the sentiment: multiple younger players—including Holloway, Schenn, Faulk, and Sundqvist—saw substantial point-per-game increases under Montgomery compared to Bannister, with Holloway’s rising from .36 to a full point per game (+.63)

What’s Next for the Blues?

• Public statements: Montgomery is expected to comment on Bannister’s report at an upcoming press conference.
• Team cohesion: His challenge will be solidifying harmony after recent turbulence.
• Long-term plan: With a five‑year contract, management clearly views Montgomery as the architect of a new era.

TL;DR

• Bannister fired after 9–12–1 start and poor scoring/special teams (nhl.com, forbes.com).
• Montgomery hired, shocking return described as “crazy” .
• Bannister’s report claims deep locker‑room rifts and over‑defensive tactics .
• Montgomery visibly unsettled, with fans and analytics backing his stronger start .

This story is evolving fast. Stick around for Montgomery’s official response—and what this battle for internal control means for the Blues’ chances this season