A new coach. A new era of
Devils hockey.  Hopefully, that is the case with Mr. Brent Sutter, a
two-time Stanley Cup winner with the New York Islanders.  A cliché, yes,
but the Devils and their loyal fans have not celebrated a complete playoff run
since 2003 (my brother and father attended game seven that year of course).
For diehard fans that is unacceptable business for Sweet Lou Lamoriello
and his brilliant staff.  Especially, after dancing with Lord Stanley’s
Cup three times in nine years. Sutter, do you really want this position?

The odds are definitely
not in your favor. The good news is that Sutter does have an extensive hockey
background like none other- he grew up with six brothers, five of whom played
in the National Hockey League to hundreds of regular season and playoff games.
Some of them even raised Lord Stanley’s prized possession on a few
occasions.  If that isn’t enough, how about playing for the 1980s
Islanders, winning two Cups, and captaining their ship from 1987-1991.
Sutter also scored over 800 points in his successful playing career.

Alright, we will not
argue talent or pedigree (lineage for the simple minded).

But, Sutter, have you
seen what happens when you attempt to coach in the Meadowlands? What could have
been so bad at the respected Canadian Junior Hockey League, where you were a
successful owner and head coach?

I mean, I love the
Devils, always have and always will love them. But coaches have had some
difficulties lasting in New Jersey. Anyone remember Claude Julien?

Yeah, he was fired in
April of last season. Regardless of the team’s 102 total points and the
playoffs inches away, Julien’s contract was unexpectedly terminated.

Rumor had it, as Lou
refused to reveal much light about the release, that Julien wasn’t the right
candidate for leading the team to the playoffs. Apparently, 102 points isn’t
enough for Lou. By the way, if you have short-term memory loss, Lou took over
as coach, and lost as coach for the second year in a row in the playoffs.

You know what they say
about karma. Don’t forget Larry Robinson’s second stint with the Devils
organization back in 2005. It lasted all of six months after Pat Burns resigned
due to cancer.  Patty, our prayers do go out to you and your family. May
you have a speedily and healthy recovery.

What about Kevin
Constantine?  He took over after Robbie Ftorek was fired with nine games
remaining on the calendar.  Lou, does any coach in this organization have
some kind of job security?  The longest lasting coach in Devils history
was legendary Jacque Lemaire, five years in NJ. His neutral zone trap led the
team to their first cup in defeating, via a sweep of the powerful and highly
favored Red Wings in the 1994-95 season.  Lemaire is now coaching the
Minnesota Wild for the last seven years.

Lou, you are still a
tremendous mastermind of drafting and three Stanley Cups in the past 12 years
speaks volumes.  But, your relationship with players and coaches alike
needs to be anchored to ultimately bring back the 30-pound silver beast to New Jersey.

Now, Brent… I have just
showed you a partial list of the Devils’ coaches since 1993.  I didn’t
want to scare you off with the six in the first 10 years.

• ‹ previous
• 4 of 430
• next ›