Well, SABRES NATION, something so rare and huge has happened in hockey that I can't help but post about it. Take a night off of the Sabres and bask in the crazy world of the NHL.Claude Julien has posted a 47-24-8 = 102 record this season. The Martin Brodeur (right) led New Jersey Devils currently sit in second in the Eastern Conference, five points behind our own beloved Buffalo Sabres.
The trap defense has served the Devils excellently. They've won four of their last five and have had a great second half of the season. They have only scored 209 goals, meaning they average 2.64 goals a game. But, they've also allowed only 195 goals. I can't find anywhere where there's a stat, but I'm sure they have won the most games with two or less goals and most likely the most one goal games in the league.
Until this was released this morning: "I did not feel that we were going in the right direction, both mentally and hockey(-wise), going into the playoffs, for a variety of reasons," the New Jersey Devils GM told The Canadian Press."
That GM is Lou Lamoriello. Obviously, he's not a if-it's-not-broke-don't-fix-it kind of guy. He's done a similar thing twice before.
The move proved to shock everyone- "Without question," Lamoriello said." It's surprising to people but they only have the surface and not the knowledge. This was an easy decision not to make. It's certainly a decision that's more difficult to make." One GM, who requested anonymity Monday, told [Canadian Press]: "I thought April Fool's Day had moved a day."
Lamoriello cited there were other factors involved with Julien's dismissal. Though he never said what any of those other citations were.
Maybe it was the Devils 6-6-2 record in March? Doubtful, since they have been missing three of their biggest stars in Captain Patrick Elias, Rochester native Brian Gionta, and defenseman John Madden.
I don't know how the Devils will fare with a new coach 80 games into the season. I fully expect them to falter fast in the playoffs, though.
