faba Posted June 13, 2006 Share Posted June 13, 2006 Updated: June 13, 2006, 3:54 PM ET Julien to coach Devils; Lamoriello returns to GM Associated Press EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Former Montreal Canadiens coach Claude Julien was hired Tuesday as coach of the New Jersey Devils, who were forced to play much of last season with their general manager behind the bench. "The assets he possesses are going to compliment the players we have," Devils president and general manager Lou Lamoriello said during a news conference at the arena where the team plays. Lamoriello replaced worn-out coach Larry Robinson in December with the Devils in danger of missing the playoffs. Julien coached Montreal from January 2003 to January 2006, when he was fired. After getting off to a 12-3-1 start this season, the Canadiens won only seven of the next 25 games, and Julien was dismissed after a 2-1 loss in Colorado. He had a 72-62-10 record and helped Montreal reach the second round of the playoffs in 2004. Julien said Lamoriello's approach, experience and philosophy were similar to his. "It was easy for me to feel comfortable here," Julien said. "No doubt he's left some big shoes behind that bench for me to fill." While there had been talk that the Devils would hire John MacLean, one of their assistant coaches the past four seasons, Lamoriello said "the timing just wasn't right." Julien's hire marks the third time the Devils have tapped a former Montreal coach. Both Jacques Lemaire and Pat Burns had coached the Canadiens before coming to New Jersey; Robinson was a star player with Montreal in the 1970s and '80s. Lamoriello said the choice was just a coincidence. "It's just the way it's worked out," Lamoriello said. "It was nothing planned." New Jersey went 32-18 under Lamoriello and captured the Atlantic Division title with a season-ending 11-game winning streak. The Devils swept the New York Rangers in the first round of the playoffs to push the run to 15 games, but they were eliminated by the Carolina Hurricanes in five games in the second round. Carolina is now one win from capturing the Stanley Cup. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SouthernJet Posted June 13, 2006 Share Posted June 13, 2006 what a crock,,how many seasons in last 10 has Lou remained off the bench... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
faba Posted June 13, 2006 Author Share Posted June 13, 2006 As long as Lou is running the organization Devils have no worries The coach selected is certainly not awe inspiring though Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fred Jetstone Posted June 14, 2006 Share Posted June 14, 2006 As long as Lou is running the organization Devils have no worries The coach selected is certainly not awe inspiring though After Julien was fired Montreal went on a winning streak and made the playoffs. They all credited Gainey for the resurgence. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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