NEW YORK (Reuters) - Struggling New Jersey Devils have fired first-year coach John MacLean and named former coach Jacques Lemaire to lead them for now, the team said on Thursday.
The injury hit Devils (9-22-2) are experiencing one of their worst seasons ever. Their nine wins are the second worst in the league and they are tied with the New York Islanders for the fewest points (20).
"I asked (Lemaire) to come back for the second half so we can find out who we are and where we're at," Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello told a news conference. "I also felt that there is time to get back on track."
Lamoriello did not blame MacLean.
"Responsibility lies on the players and myself for what couldn't be done," he said.
Most of the Devils' key players have been injured at some point this season, including goaltender Martin Brodeur and top forward Zach Parise.
All-Star left wing Ilya Kovalchuk, who signed a 15-year, $100 million contract, has also been a disappointment with only eight goals and 10 assists.
Brodeur thought the new appointment would be beneficial. "Jacques knows how to get his players to play," he said.
Lemaire, 65, is expected to coach on Thursday when the Devils are home to the Islanders, the team said on its website (devils.nhl.com).
Lemaire was New Jersey's coach from 1993-98, guiding the Devils to their first Stanley Cup in 1995. He later coached the Minnesota Wild for eight seasons.
(Writing by Gene Cherry in Salvo, North Carolina; Editing by Dave Thompson in London)
