Monty's Return: Hockey's Past and Present Collide

Jim Montgomery made his return to TD Garden as the head coach of the St. Louis Blues, his first visit to Boston since being fired by the Bruins just over a year ago. The Bruins, who achieved record-setting success with a 65-12-5 record and 135 points under Montgomery in the 2022-23 season, secured a 5-2 victory against his current team.

Montgomery, who has been open about his journey as a reformed alcoholic, handled a question about an espresso martini with grace, stating he requested a non-alcoholic version. This understated approach underscored his ability to navigate personal history with professional composure, even on a return to a familiar venue where his tenure ended abruptly.

Despite the loss, Montgomery's return was less about the game's outcome and more about his professional evolution. Having been fired by the Bruins despite their historic regular season, he quickly found a new role with the Blues, demonstrating a resilient career trajectory. His brief postgame media session reflected a focus on the present, with minimal elaboration on the game's performance.