Devils Daily: Larry Robinson Got What He Earned

Jeremy Kenter's picture

You're searching through resumes, trying to find the best candidate for the position.  Finally, you get your hands on a person with six Stanley Cups, two Norris Trophies handed to the league's best defenseman, and a Conn Smythe awarded to the league's most dominant playoff leader... I think you found Larry Robinson's profile if I'm not mistaken...

John Fischer has more on "Big Bird," which was Robinson's nickname apparently when he was still playing hockey...

“They seriously called Larry Robinson that back then. As a nickname.” (Inlouwetrust)

Robinson was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1995, but finally had his number 19 risen to the rafters in Montreal, where he was so successful and for his career of 208 goals and 750 assists for a defenseman… let me tell you… when your number is next to some of the game’s greatest players, 12 in total, that’s an impressive feat… now he can add that to his resume as well…

“Robinson joined 12 other Canadiens legends when his jersey number, 19, was retired and raised to the Bell Centre rafters before Montreal's game against the Ottawa Senators.  Robinson received an ovation of several minutes when he was introduced to the crowd, and he tried sitting down to get the fans to stop.” (The Canadian Press)

As a matter of respect, Robinson’s No. 19 was never worn after he exited the Habs organization… he was that good and now he’s an assistant coach of the New Jersey Devils…

“Named interim head coach of the New Jersey Devils on March 23, 2000, Robinson guided his team to the Stanley Cup. He stayed on as head coach for the next year and again guided the Devils to the finals, where they lost to the Colorado Avalanche in seven games. Robinson was fired during the 2001-02 season, but returned as an assistant coach just before the 2002-03 season.  When Pat Burns suffered a recurrence of cancer, Robinson again assumed the mantle of head coach on July 14, 2005. This stint came to an end on December 19, 2005, when Robinson resigned, citing stress and other health problems.  Robinson returned to the Devils prior to the 2007-08 season as an assistant coach under Brent Sutter.” (Robinson's Wiki Profile)…

It was a bit overdue for Robinson, who was Halled over 10 years ago, but the ceremony was held as scheduled with GM Lou Lamoriello the guest speaker… if you’re wondering why Lou spoke and not a family member, let’s just call it nerves and a good relationship…

“For starters, a number of people he asked — his brother, Moe, among them — weren't keen on speaking on front of 21,267 people at the Bell Centre,

Then Robinson told about the relationship he developed with Lamoriello when he was head coach of the Devils. Lamoriello would talk to Robinson about being head coach at Providence College back in the days of the Sam Pollock-managed Canadiens in the '60s and '70s.” (John Mackinnon)

Mackinnon also rated Robinson as the third greatest player to wear No. 19 behind Steve Yzerman and Joe Sakic, two of the game’s great forwards of my generation…

And one more thing, Mr. Robinson… now that this ceremony is over, do you mind getting back to work? The Devils could use some help behind the bench… some of that “Robinson-ness…”




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