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It is an odd move. It is a strange move. Were it done on any other 100 point team with three games left it would scrutinized and looked at as a "panic move." But this is Lou Lamoriello and this is the NJ Devils.
Therefore, it's being called a "gutsy move."
Lou has no fear. None. Check that. He has one fear. "Not living up to potential and missing an opportunity."
Did Marty Brodeur and the leaders on this team apparently want this change? Yes they did. But why did they want the change? Usually you always hear about coaches getting fired by players because they are too tough on them and have lost the room. A source today told me that, "Perhaps Claude was too easy and lost the room."
No matter what you think of the NJ Devils, be it "a boring team" or a "team without a fanbase " (neither of which aere even slightly true) you can't deny that they have been (for over a decade) a VERY scary team.
Coaches have come and gone, Scott Stevens is gone, and yet they keep winning. And it is largely because the room is solid. The players who lead this team have a method they follow that has become so well defined that the team virtually coaches itself. There is no quit and no doubt that each and every year they can (and should) win the Stanley Cup. Many players in the NHL "say" that, but these players, led by Brodeur, believe it.
The NJ Devils know how they are perceived around the league, and they truthfully don't care. They don't play games against other teams, they challenge themselves night after night. So being second in the conference means nothing to them. As a player told me last night, "if you know you are playing below potential who cares if you are first? If Tiger Woods wins the masters, but shoots above par, is he really happy about winning? Maybe that is fine for the regular season, but who cares about that. It is all a tune-up for the big dance to come."
This had to be hard on Lou, and from all indications he was communicating with and giving Julien every chance he could to right the ship. There were players that were under performing and showing smaller work ethics, and when that happens in NJ the leaders on the bench step up and do their thing that gets those players going. The biggest rub looked to be that for whatever reason, the leaders on the NJ Devils were being told NOT to do their usual thing and were waiting for that to come from elsewhere. And these are not the kind of players that are happy not having that responsibility. These are players that are control freaks when it comes to winning. It was a tension that had to give.
Eventually, I believe Lou made a choice. He went with a group of players that is far more proven then the coach. It is an odd situation and could be viewed as the "prisoners running the asylum."
Except for one little thing. These guys are not prisoners. They are rock solid people who believe that working hard is what it is all about. They are serious about their team. They feel the ownership responsibility of the NJ Devils. These are not spoiled athletes in the least. They are a different group and they are loyal to Lou and Lou is loyal to them. When players like Scott Niedermayer leave the team, Lou sits with them and will talk to the player about the situation they are going to and what to look for. Lou is their friend and boss.
It is about respect earned. When Marty says something, it is usually about the fact that a young defenseman is playing well and deserves more time. Marty doesn't cause trouble. Marty wins. But Marty also holds the people in front of him to the same amazing work ethic that he holds himself to. Marty will speak out in the most respectful way if he sees trouble.
You need to remember that these players, carefully built and kept together by Lou are NOT the norm.
These are the NJ Devils and they do not care what you think about what they do UNTIL you are upset and frustrated and calling a radio station saying "How can our storied franchise lose to that team that plays in a swamp." Then they care about you as they shake your hand and move onto the next round.
Therefore, it's being called a "gutsy move."
Lou has no fear. None. Check that. He has one fear. "Not living up to potential and missing an opportunity."
Did Marty Brodeur and the leaders on this team apparently want this change? Yes they did. But why did they want the change? Usually you always hear about coaches getting fired by players because they are too tough on them and have lost the room. A source today told me that, "Perhaps Claude was too easy and lost the room."
No matter what you think of the NJ Devils, be it "a boring team" or a "team without a fanbase " (neither of which aere even slightly true) you can't deny that they have been (for over a decade) a VERY scary team.
Coaches have come and gone, Scott Stevens is gone, and yet they keep winning. And it is largely because the room is solid. The players who lead this team have a method they follow that has become so well defined that the team virtually coaches itself. There is no quit and no doubt that each and every year they can (and should) win the Stanley Cup. Many players in the NHL "say" that, but these players, led by Brodeur, believe it.
The NJ Devils know how they are perceived around the league, and they truthfully don't care. They don't play games against other teams, they challenge themselves night after night. So being second in the conference means nothing to them. As a player told me last night, "if you know you are playing below potential who cares if you are first? If Tiger Woods wins the masters, but shoots above par, is he really happy about winning? Maybe that is fine for the regular season, but who cares about that. It is all a tune-up for the big dance to come."
This had to be hard on Lou, and from all indications he was communicating with and giving Julien every chance he could to right the ship. There were players that were under performing and showing smaller work ethics, and when that happens in NJ the leaders on the bench step up and do their thing that gets those players going. The biggest rub looked to be that for whatever reason, the leaders on the NJ Devils were being told NOT to do their usual thing and were waiting for that to come from elsewhere. And these are not the kind of players that are happy not having that responsibility. These are players that are control freaks when it comes to winning. It was a tension that had to give.
Eventually, I believe Lou made a choice. He went with a group of players that is far more proven then the coach. It is an odd situation and could be viewed as the "prisoners running the asylum."
Except for one little thing. These guys are not prisoners. They are rock solid people who believe that working hard is what it is all about. They are serious about their team. They feel the ownership responsibility of the NJ Devils. These are not spoiled athletes in the least. They are a different group and they are loyal to Lou and Lou is loyal to them. When players like Scott Niedermayer leave the team, Lou sits with them and will talk to the player about the situation they are going to and what to look for. Lou is their friend and boss.
It is about respect earned. When Marty says something, it is usually about the fact that a young defenseman is playing well and deserves more time. Marty doesn't cause trouble. Marty wins. But Marty also holds the people in front of him to the same amazing work ethic that he holds himself to. Marty will speak out in the most respectful way if he sees trouble.
You need to remember that these players, carefully built and kept together by Lou are NOT the norm.
These are the NJ Devils and they do not care what you think about what they do UNTIL you are upset and frustrated and calling a radio station saying "How can our storied franchise lose to that team that plays in a swamp." Then they care about you as they shake your hand and move onto the next round.
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