
The St. Louis Blues’ defensive struggles have become a central talking point this season, with costly errors and lapses at the back undermining the team’s push for consistency. After a string of frustrating performances, head coach Jim Montgomery addressed the issues and outlined his plans to stabilize the unit moving forward.
Montgomery acknowledged that the Blues’ defense has not lived up to expectations, pointing to both individual mistakes and a lack of cohesion as major contributors. “We’ve put ourselves in difficult positions far too often,” he said. “The goals we’re giving away are avoidable, and we have to tighten up our execution.”
One of Montgomery’s primary concerns has been the team’s struggles in transition, where opposing forwards have found too much space. He emphasized that discipline and communication will be key to improving. “It’s not just about one player or one pairing,” Montgomery explained. “It’s a collective effort, and we need everyone committed to defending with the same intensity as we attack.”
Looking ahead, Montgomery hinted at tactical adjustments, including lineup changes and more emphasis on defensive drills in practice. He also stressed the importance of younger players stepping up and veterans leading by example. “We’ll make the necessary changes,” he added. “This group is capable of being much stronger defensively, and it starts with accountability.”
Despite the setbacks, Montgomery remains confident the Blues can overcome their defensive woes and stay competitive in a tough division. “The challenges are clear,” he concluded. “Now it’s about how we respond. We’ll get back to playing the kind of hockey our fans expect—organized, disciplined, and hard to break down.”