Peter DeBoer was hired as the new head coach of the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday, the team announced. DeBoer replaces Jacques Lemaire, who retired for a second time in less than a year after taking over the reigns at midseason for John MacLean. Under the first-year coach MacLean, the Devils got off to a 9-22-2 start, leading to MacLean's dismissal.
Peter DeBoer Hired As New Jersey Devils Head Coach
Lemaire, who had already gone through two coaching stints with the Devils and had retired at the end of the 2009-10 season, nearly guided the Devils back into the playoffs as they went on a 26-7-3 run under his guidance. Lemaire came back long enough to win his 600th game, just one of eight NHL coaches to accomplish that feat.
DeBoer will attempt to fill those shoes. while coaching in a similar defense-first style. Although he couldn't keep the Florida Panthers from finishing with the worst record in the Eastern Conference a year ago, he was able to do a respectable job with a mostly young team.
For more on the hire, visit SB Nation’s In Lou We Trust.
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