Blues' Jim Montgomery Needs to Focus on Chemistry Going Forward – Hockey Writers – St. Louis Blues

St. Louis Blues, after an eventful season, sent shockwaves through the hockey world and in a dramatic mid-season coaching change, parted ways with head coach Drew Bannister and brought in Jim Montgomery. General manager Doug Armstrong framed the decision as more motivated by Montgomery's availability than criticism of Bannister. However, it is clear that the change would not have been possible had Bannister's performance been much better.

One key element in the Blues' early struggles under Bannister was the reshuffling of the lines. While injuries to top six players such as Robert Thomas and Brandon Saad initially hindered chemistry, the inconsistency continued after their return. With so much time left in the season, Montgomery must bring stability to the roster, and these are the lineup combinations he must prioritize to achieve that.

Forward Row 1: Buchnevich – Thomas – Kyrou

A lineup of Pavel Buchnevich, Robert Thomas, and Jordan Kyrou has been used by the Blues before, with mixed results. This season, the trio has posted a solid 66.7% expected goals percentage (xG%) and a 2-0 goal differential over 56 minutes together, according to MoneyPuck. Last season, they logged nearly 500 minutes together, scored 50.9% xG% and outscored opponents 24-21.

Related: Blues Fans Finally Happy Again With Jim Montgomery as Head Coach

While there is a case to be made for splitting this line, it should remain as it is for now. The Blues have struggled to strike out strong this season, and combining their three talented players—who have already established chemistry—offers the best chance to turn things around.

Forward Row 2: Bolduc – Holloway – Neighbours

The Blues have a lot to be excited about with their young talent, led by forwards Zack Bolduc, Dylan Holloway, and Jake Neighbors. While Neighbors got decent ice time under Bannister, Bolduc, and Holloway didn't see the same opportunities. That has changed under Montgomery, and both have been successful: Bolduc scored twice in Montgomery's first game, while Holloway has tallied five points (three goals and two assists) in three games for Montgomery.

This line has two potential pitfalls: lack of knowledge and face-to-face struggles. However, the trio's production more than warrants their inclusion. Neighbors provides net-front presence and playmaking, Holloway's powerful shot produces rebounds, and Bolduc excels at all three positions, leading the Blues in field goal percentage (G%), ranking fourth in expected field goal percentage ( xG%), and second Corsi% earlier this season.

This is not an accidental repost… Dylan Holloway just hit AGAIN! pic.twitter.com/FqBa36dRsp

— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) November 28, 2024

Most importantly, the Blues are not contenders this year—they are focused on developing their youth. Increasing ice time for young players like Bolduc, Holloway, and Neighbors not only aligns with this goal but is supported by their strong performances, showing they are ready for bigger roles.

Forward Row 3: Saad – Schenn – Sundqvist

The Blues veterans have not done well this season. Captain Brayden Schenn managed only 12 points (four goals and eight assists) in 25 games, with a low 38.7% field goal percentage (G%) and a 42.9% expected field goal percentage (xG%), his second worst in the division . Brandon Saad didn't fare much better, recording just seven solid points with a 45.8% G% and 45.1% xG%. To deal with their problems, it is important to reduce their ice time and send a message about their performance. Also, pairing them with Oskar Sundqvist would help the line have a great impact.

Although not known for his offense, Sundqvist was outstanding defensively. Corsi's 46% at even strength surpasses both Schenn and Saad, and his 51.7% xG% ranks second on the team, behind only Robert Thomas. Sundqvist excelled in limiting scoring opportunities against the Blues with 14 blocked shots, 26 hits, and five takeaways, making him the perfect partner to take some of the defensive burden off of Schenn and Saad.

Front Row 4: Walker – Faksa – Joseph

The Blues' first line that has logged 60 minutes together this season—Nathan Walker, Radek Faksa, and Alexey Toropchenko—struggled, posting a 40.7 xG% while being outshot 122-122. Among lines with equal or greater ice time in the entire NHL, they have the worst xG%. While the options to upgrade this trio are limited, replacing Toropchenko with Mathieu Joseph would be a step in the right direction.

While not a game changer, Joseph has consistently demonstrated his ability to generate offense in a bottom-six role without compromising defensive integrity. He surpasses Toropchenko in almost every major statistical category and is an effective penalty killer. Although he doesn't have Toropchenko's speed, Joseph makes up for it with other strengths and deserves a chance to build chemistry within the Blues' lineup and prove his worth.

With the Blues only having one forward line that exceeds 60 minutes of ice time together, one thing is clear: the team needs to build chemistry. With a long season ahead, Montgomery must act quickly to make a lasting impact, and bolstering this rejuvenated roster would be a step in the right direction.