By Jon Lesnik
Newark – As the New Jersey Devils rallied in the second half of the season, Jacques Lemaire had refused to comment on whether he would return as Devils coach for the 2011-2012 season.
Each time he was questioned Lemaire said he would answer after the season ended. His refusals fueled speculation that Lemaire would not be returning behind the bench next season for New Jersey.
After the conclusion of the Devils 3-2 victory over the Boston Bruins in the final game of the season, Lemaire finally confirmed publically what had been speculated for the past month: that he would not be returning to coach the Devils next season
“The job demands a lot, I want to enjoy life and enjoy my family,” Lemaire said. “I made the right decision last year, but I am really happy I took this job for the rest of the season. I had fun. It was a huge challenge for me. I thought the guys responded well, the only regret that I have is not making the playoffs.”
He told his players before the game, in two separate meetings with defensemen and forwards, that he was not returning next season.
Lemaire said he had not made up his mind about not returning until two days ago, and would not have a different decision had the Devils made the playoffs.
“It was a hard decision, that is why I delayed,” Lemiere said. ‘There were times, two months ago, a month ago, three weeks ago, that I thought I could come back. In the end it’s the age. If I was younger, I would be the coach because I love it. I had told the players three or four times during the season that I was not coming back, but then I was joking. This time I was not joking.”
Lemaire has previously retired twice as head coach of the Devils. Players like Ilya Kovalchuk hope that he will do it a third time, change his mind, and come back.
“He did a great job, maybe he’ll change his mind again and come back next year,” Kovalchuk said. “He brought the team back, and did a lot of good things for the organization. All the guys would want him back. For me he was one of the best coaches I have had. He taught me a lot and pays attention to detail. We will now have to see what happens in the summer.”
Martin Brodeur, who has played for Lemaire in each of Lemaire’s three coaching stints with the Devils and has seen a long list of coaching changes during his 18-year career, was not surprised by Lemaire’s decision and hopes that the new coach will be able to build on the improvement the Devils made in the second half of the season.
“We expected this, it was not a shocker,” Brodeur said. “We have to thank him for coming in, and helping us salvage what was left of the season. We were not going in the right direction before Jacques took the job here. It was back to basics under him. It was hockey 101. He made us believe that we were still good hockey players. He got our confidence back. He made us believe that we were able to win games. The young guys learned a lot from him. It’s disappointing that he is not coming back next year. Now we go back to square one under a new coach.”
Patrik Elias credited the Devils turnaround to Lemaire’s coaching style and was also dissatisfied that he will not be returning as coach next fall.
“It’s disappointing,” Elias said. “We played good hockey under him in the second half of the season. Nobody knows the game better than him.”
After an emotional press conference last season when he announced he was not returning, Lemaire felt rejuvenated working with young players— who brought into his system and coaching.
“This was exciting, this was fun,” Lemaire said. “Especially when the team wins. It is a great atmosphere. The best part was the players. Getting them to believe in themselves, play well, and enjoy what they are doing.”
Lemaire did not specify what job he would have with the Devils organization next year, but he is expected to work as a scout and advisor to general manager Lou Lamoriello.
“I’ll watch games,” he said. “I expect to be back here next year watching this team in the playoffs.”
Lemaire— who will turn 66 on Sept. 7th— had previously retired following the Devils first round loss to the Philadelphia Flyers in last year’s playoffs. He returned on December 23, 2010, taking over after John McLean was fired after New Jersey started the season 9-22-2. Lemaire reinstated his defense-oriented game, installed his neutral zone trap, and a more disciplined Devils team took the ice under him. New Jersey finished the season 29-17-3 under his guidance.
Lemaire won eight Stanley Cups during his playing career with the Montreal Canadians. He won two more as an assistant general manager of Montreal. He won another Stanley Cup as the head coach of the Devils in the 1994-1995 season. He is one of only eight NHL coaches to win over 600 games.
