The New Jersey Devils made a significant coaching change on Monday, firing Lindy Ruff and appointing assistant Travis Green as the interim head coach for the remainder of the season. This decision came with just over 20 games left to play as the Devils have struggled, losing five of their last seven games and falling further out of playoff contention.
Ruff, who was in his fourth season with the team, guided the Devils to the second round of the playoffs last year. However, the team's recent performance has not met expectations, prompting the management to make a change. General manager Tom Fitzgerald emphasized the organization's commitment to being a competitive team and holding everyone accountable for their performance.
Green, who was an associate coach on Ruff's staff, will take over as the interim head coach. With experience at various levels of coaching, including a stint as the head coach of the Vancouver Canucks, Green is tasked with getting the Devils back on track.
The decision to part ways with Ruff was a difficult one, given his positive impact on developing young players and his personal qualities. The team had extended Ruff's contract before the season, but the fans' dissatisfaction was evident with chants calling for his dismissal during games.
The Devils have two games remaining this week before the trade deadline, where Fitzgerald will have more decisions to make regarding the team's future. With key players like Tyler Toffoli, Colin Miller, and Brendan Smith facing pending free agency, the organization is at a critical juncture.
One of the factors contributing to Ruff's departure was the team's defensive struggles, with a save percentage ranking second-worst in the league and conceding a high number of goals per game. The coaching change reflects the Devils' determination to address these issues and improve their performance in the remaining games of the season.
This move marks the seventh coaching change in the NHL this season, highlighting the competitive nature of the league and the expectations placed on teams to deliver results. As the Devils navigate this transition, all eyes will be on Green and the team as they strive to turn their season around.
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