Head Coach Jim Montgomery Sends Message to Blues Lineup

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Kyrou has actually been one of the few players producing offensively this season. Through 14 games, he has 4 goals and 4 assists, including an eight-game point streak earlier in the year. So on the surface, it may not make sense to sideline one of the team’s top offensive contributors.

But this isn’t about numbers — it’s about accountability. The Blues need someone to step up, take charge, and change the direction of this season. Sitting Kyrou sends a message that no player, no matter their talent or production, is guaranteed anything right now. Montgomery wants urgency and effort from every single player wearing the sweater.

To put things in perspective, the Blues currently have a 4‑8‑2 record this season. They are averaging 2.91 goals per game while allowing 4.27 goals per game, ranking near the bottom of the league in goals allowed. Their power play sits at 23.5%, but their penalty kill struggles at 69.7%, and their goal differential is ‑21.

And Kyrou isn’t the only notable absence. Oskar Sundqvist looks to be out tonight as well. He played just one shift in the third period last night after blocking a shot, and while it’s unclear whether that’s the reason, his usage suggests something wasn’t right. Whether it’s injury-related or performance-related, he won’t be in the lineup.

Montgomery’s decision here is pretty clear: if this group wants to start winning hockey games, someone has to change the momentum — fast. Scratching a player like Kyrou is a way to challenge the locker room to wake up and respond.

This is just the start. If nobody steps up soon, Montgomery won’t hesitate to hold more players accountable.