Forget the coaching change, the Devils played a predictable type of game an lost 5-1 as Brodeur continues to struggle and let in soft goals. Josh Bailey scored twice, John Tavares, Frans Nielsen, and Blake Comeau each had the other goals. Travis Zajac scored the Devils lone goal. Brodeur allowed 5 goals on 14 shots and Dwayne Roloson made 34 saves on 35 shots. The Devils played well in the 2nd half of the game, but an Islander short handed goal killed any chance of a comeback.
The Devils are now 0-4 against the New York teams this season and have been outscored 13-2 by both the Islanders and Rangers. The Rangers have outscored the Devils 6-1 in their two games and the Islanders 7-1. The Devils will not practice tomorrow and Saturday due to the holiday and NHL rules do not allow any practice time during December 24-25. The team could sure use some with Lemaire back.
MacLean's ouster was a long time coming and probably should have been made weeks ago, but it happened today. The Devils were reportedly asked by ownership not to go outside the organization for a new coach, so that is why Lemaire is back. However, the plan right now is for Lemaire to coach out the rest of the year and not beyond that. But, that could change depending on how the team salvages its season. Playoffs are still a possibility, but that is 100% out of question right now. They just have to win one game and build their confidence back up.
The next coaching decision in the summer will definitely define Lou's legacy as GM. Many thought MacLean would succeed with the type of team the Devils have had, but everything he tried would not work. Now Lou will be faced with the most important question, who is the right type of coach for this team. In my other blog post, I listed many candidates. It will likely be off that list. Jacques Lemaire could be back, but highly unlikely. We shall see how the Devils salvage their season.
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