Devils’ coach merry-go-round continues

SamPWoo.com – Who will be the next coach of the New Jersey Devils?

Jacques Lemaire’s second tour of duty did not go as planned when the New Jersey got knocked out by a surging Philadelphia Flyers team. As the jar of jelly is being cleaned up and a new serving of Lou’s Kool Aid is being made, Devils’ GM Lou Lamoriello is going to need to assess which direction this team needs to take to win the Stanley Cup.

What went well this season?

When many of the Devils’ veterans were injured during the early part of the regular season, the rookies played well as a team and had success. With Lemaire being their mentor and coach, they overachieved. The young blood were interchangeable parts but gave New Jersey the hunger and energy they lacked during the playoffs. On paper during the post season, New Jersey were stacked with playoff tested veterans but lacked the youth that gave them success during the regular season. Lamoriello should continue and bring the youth movement but be cautious who he brings in as coach. Moreover, New Jersey needs someone that can handle a group of veterans, yet let the kids play and teach them the “Jersey way” of winning.

Systems are overrated. It doesn’t matter what system a coach brings to team. As long as the players believe in it, it will work. Lemaire’s system did not fail in the playoffs. It was the players’ lack of effort and execution that failed his system. Who should be the candidates that Lamoriello should consider?

1. Tom Renney:

Renney has coaching experience on the big stage before with the New York Rangers and runs a solid boring defensive style that helped bring his team to the playoffs after experiencing years of disappointment. He handled veterans, yet knew how to use his youth and integrate them in the lineup.

2. John Stevens

Stevens was fired this season by the Philadelphia Flyers. His team always played with an edge, which usually led to suspensions for questionable hits. But he got his team ready for big games and leading them as far as the Eastern Conference finals during his tenure. His roster had a good mix of free agents signings by Paul Holmgren and some players coming up through the draft and system. He may be a good fit in New Jersey.

3. Mike Keenan

I want to see stability at the coaching position in New Jersey. However, Iron Mike would fit right in with Brent Sutter, Jacques Lemaire, Claude Julien, Larry Robinson, and even Lou Lamoriello. They do not last long. However, he would provide a no-nonsense attitude and shape up the Devils’ roster with players that want to win, not take a vacation during the playoffs. The Devils’ locker room of veterans are a tight knit group and may dictate when Iron Mike would get a pink slip. But they haven’t shown anything since 2003 other than blowing leads or not showing up.

4. Ken Hitchcock (Captain Kangaroo)

Hitchcock would be a great coach. But only if Lamoriello decides to shake up the roster with younger players and decides to trade the core veterans. I like his style but I think he will rub the veterans the wrong way and will see the unemployment line quickly.

5. John Maclean

Johnny Mac did a nice job in Lowell getting his team to the playoffs. However, they ended up like their big brother and out in five games. He needs more time down in the AHL and could be ready in the near future (after another Devils coaching change).

Follow me on Twitter
Follow me on Facebook
E-mail: sampwoo@hockeyprimetime.com

Shootout: Devils win 3-2 over Rangers in preseason action

SAMPWOO.com — With Jacques Lemaire back as head coach of the New Jersey Devils, this early preseason victory maybe an early sign for what is in store for a franchise looking to get back to the Stanley Cup finals since 2003. With the departures of Brian Gionta and John Madden, New Jersey is looking towards their youth and under the radar acquisitions to help solidify their depth. It has worked in the past and so far, I have been impressed.

My observations:

1.    Shanahan wearing the “C” on his jersey. There will be no captain controversy here when Langenbrunner is in the lineup. There is plenty of leadership in the locker room and any one of these top veterans can be captain on any other NHL team. He has had a profound impact on David Clarkson.

2.    Speaking of Clarkson, this kid will have a surprise breakout season and it has nothing to do with it being a contract year. He grew up idolizing Brendan Shanahan and he must be thrilled to be playing for Lemaire. It didn’t surprise me he wore the “A” last night. He has grit, works very hard, and takes every Devils’ practice very seriously and this dedication is starting to pay off dividends.

“I’ll have a big season with a lot of garbage goals if I can,” said Clarkson, whose 17 goals last season were an NHL career high. “A lot of my goals are from around the net.”

Clarkson scored 17 goals on defensive checking lines last season and has been improving steadily since he first played with the club in 2007. He fits perfectly in the system and as long as he goes hard to the net, he will enjoy having shots coming off of rebounds. Chemistry between Shanahan, Zubrus, and Clarkson?

3.    This game displayed the future for both teams. Nicklas Bergfors, who missed rookie camp this summer, looked impressive and Lou Lamoriello hinted before that he is a top six forward potential. If he has a great camp, he can really fill in the void for Patrik Elias.

4.    Patrik Elias is supposed to miss the next 3-6 weeks with groin problems. He had a fantastic year last season and the Devils will miss him on the power play in the beginning of the season.

5.    The Devils’ power play looked great and the Devils’ forwards were able to move the puck quickly around the perimeter. Lemaire is not being conservative and I like this. He is not hesitating to use four forwards and he is showing his naysayers that he is willing to take some chances. The results were two power play goals, both from Clarkson.

6.    Yann Denis looked solid and he is vying to be Martin Brodeur’s backup. With the departures of Kevin Weekes and Scott Clemmenson, he may have a chance to be that number two netminder. Jeff Frazee will have his chance, but I think he would be better served with playing time in Lowell.

7.    Devils held the Rangers scoreless on the power play on six attempts.

Email: sampwoo@hockeyprimetime.com