In a surprising turn of events, the St. Louis Blues have decided to part ways with their long-time head coach, Craig Berube, following a disappointing 6-4 loss to the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday night. The team’s decision comes on the heels of their fourth straight defeat, leaving fans and analysts alike questioning the future of the franchise. To fill the void left by Berube’s departure, the Blues have tapped Springfield Thunderbirds’ head coach, Drew Bannister, as their interim coach.
Berube’s tenure as the head coach of the Blues has spanned an impressive six seasons, a remarkable feat in the ever-evolving landscape of professional sports. Under his guidance, the Blues achieved the pinnacle of success in 2019 by capturing their first-ever Stanley Cup championship, a momentous occasion in the franchise’s storied history. Berube leaves behind a legacy that includes an impressive record of 206 wins, 132 losses, and 44 ties during his time at the helm.
However, recent seasons have seen the Blues struggle to replicate their past success. While they secured postseason berths in each of Berube’s first four seasons, they only managed to win a single playoff series after their historic Stanley Cup victory in 2019. This downturn in performance, combined with the team’s current four-game losing streak and a lackluster 13-14-1 record, ultimately spelled the end of Berube’s tenure.
In the aftermath of Tuesday’s loss, Berube expressed his frustration, saying, “We’ve got to earn it. You’ve got to play the right way to earn it. Do the little things right. We scored enough goals to win the game. But in the end, we didn’t take care of the front of our net very well tonight.” These remarks shed light on the mounting pressure faced by the coaching staff and players alike.
Stepping into this challenging situation is Drew Bannister, who has spent the last three seasons leading the Springfield Thunderbirds in the AHL. Bannister, a 49-year-old with an impressive coaching track record, boasts a regular-season record of 93 wins, 58 losses, and 19 ties during his time with the Thunderbirds. He also guided the team to back-to-back playoff appearances, culminating in a run to the Calder Cup Final in the 2021-22 season.
Bannister’s coaching journey began in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), where he honed his skills as an assistant coach with the Owen Sound Attack. He then ascended to the role of head coach for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, further solidifying his reputation as a capable leader in the world of hockey. Additionally, Bannister’s experience includes stints as the head coach of the AHL’s San Antonio Rampage and as an associate coach for the Utica Comets.
Notably, Drew Bannister’s expertise extends beyond the coaching realm. He enjoyed a career as an NHL defenseman, playing a total of 164 regular-season games for the Anaheim Ducks, Edmonton Oilers, New York Rangers, and Tampa Bay Lightning. This dual perspective as both a player and a coach positions him well to understand the nuances of the game from multiple angles.
As the Blues chart a new course with Drew Bannister at the helm, fans eagerly await the impact of this coaching change on the team’s fortunes. With the season still in progress, the quest for redemption and a return to playoff success begins anew for the St. Louis Blues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about St. Louis Blues Coaching Change
What led to the decision to fire Coach Craig Berube?
The decision to fire Coach Craig Berube was primarily driven by the St. Louis Blues’ recent performance, including a string of four consecutive losses. This declining performance, coupled with the team’s subpar record, led the management to reevaluate the coaching staff.
What were Craig Berube’s accomplishments as the Blues’ head coach?
Craig Berube’s tenure as the Blues’ head coach was marked by significant achievements, most notably the team’s first-ever Stanley Cup win in 2019. During his six-season tenure, he accumulated an impressive record of 206 wins, 132 losses, and 44 ties. The Blues also consistently made the playoffs during his first four seasons, though playoff success had been limited in recent years.
Who is Drew Bannister, the Blues’ interim coach?
Drew Bannister, the interim coach for the St. Louis Blues, previously served as the head coach for the Springfield Thunderbirds in the AHL. He boasts a strong coaching track record, including back-to-back playoff appearances and a Calder Cup Final run with the Thunderbirds. Bannister also has experience as an NHL defenseman, having played 164 regular-season games with several NHL teams.
What is the current status of the St. Louis Blues?
At the time of Craig Berube’s dismissal, the St. Louis Blues had a record of 13-14-1, placing them in sixth place in the Central Division. The team was on a four-game losing streak and had been outscored 20-10 during that period. The coaching change aims to reverse the team’s recent struggles and get them back on track in the NHL season.
More about St. Louis Blues Coaching Change
- St. Louis Blues Official Website
- Craig Berube’s Coaching Career
- Drew Bannister’s Coaching Profile
- St. Louis Blues 2023 Season Stats
4 comments
Playoffs, playoffs, come on blues, berube brought us the cup, we want more!
man, craig berube had a good run with the blues, but recent losses, big problem, got him sacked, no more berube era.
Bannister takin’ charge, ex-NHL player too, hope he brings winssss!
13-14-1, blues, not good, hope bannister can fix this mess, #Let’sGoBlues!