Brodeur also excited to see Lemaire return

Dozens of players have come and gone since Jacques Lemaire's first stint as the Devils head coach ended after the 1997-98 season. Only one player has been in New Jersey the entire 16 years since Lemaire first joined the Devils in 1993 and he is pleased to see him back.

Goaltender Martin Brodeur was a 21-year-old rookie when Lemaire began his first season in New Jersey in 1993-94. Now, he's 37 and the NHL's all-time leader in regular season wins with 557.

"I'm excited," Brodeur said. "I always liked Jacques, his demeanor about coaching and the way he teaches. I think some of the young guys that we have it's going to be helpful to have somebody to be able to teach the game the right way. There's somewhat of a youth movement, a lot of young guys coming up and with Zach (Parise) and Travis (Zajac) that are established, but still pretty young. To learn the game both ways on the ice, I think Jacques will be great. I'm excited and I think some of the guys are too."

Brodeur was the young player on a veteran team during Lemaire's first stint with the Devils. He saw how Lemaire worked with a lot of young players in Minnesota, though.

"Especially with Minnesota for all of these years, they had such a young team over there," Brodeur said. "It's going to help them learn the game, learn the system and stuff like that and little things within the game that he brings to the table. It will be interesting to see and definitely having Mario (Tremblay) as an assistant also I think it will bring something colorful. He's a nice guy. He's a really funny guy. So, I think the guys will enjoy him."

Brodeur said Lemaire's reputation as a defensive coach is well-earned, but overshadows the offensive accomplishments players have had under him.

"That's what sticks out more than anything (team defense), but we did have a lot of players having great seasons under him offensively and it won't change," Brodeur said. "If you're good offensively, we need to score goals to win games. At the end of the day, we need to win hockey games. It's just being structured. I think that's what Jacques is going to bring. Not that we weren't (structured with Brent Sutter). We were doing pretty good for ourselves, but we were brought into a situation where we had no choice but to bring somebody else in. I think it's not going to hurt the guys. Especially the type of players we have, it's just going to make them better. That's the bottom line.

"We're not going to run and gun as much as we did last year. We had the guns to do it, but now I think we'll be able to be successful in a different way."

One area in which Lemaire's meticulous attention to defensive detail might pay off for the Devils is when they are protecting leads at the end of games. Allowing two goals in the final 80 seconds in their 4-3 Game 7 to Carolina is something that will stick with this team for a long time.

"It's about teaching the little things day in and day out that he's going to bring to the table that will make a difference when the playoffs come and when tight situations come," Brodeur said. "We all know that's what cost us at the end (of Game 7 vs. Carolina). It's not performing under the pressure of the end of a game. Hopefully, Jacques will bring to the players, that confidence to play in different situations."

Brodeur was also excited to hear that goaltending coach Jacques Caron will be returning, though in a more limited role. The last he had heard was that Caron planned to retire.

In addition, Brodeur thinks it will be a good step for John MacLean to take over as the head coach in Lowell. (I failed to mention earlier that Lou Lamoriello said former Lowell head coach Kurt Kleinendorst will remain with the organization in a position that has yet to be deterimined).

"I think it's good," Brodeur said. "It gets him experience as a head coach. I'm sure that a lot of people thought he was going to get the job here in New Jersey, but I think it's a step forward for him to definitely be in charge of a whole team down there. A minor league team is a lot of work. There's a lot of organization to do and I think it's going to be to his benefit."

***

I also asked Brodeur about the departures of John Madden, Brian Gionta, Scott Clemmensen and Mike Rupp and the team's relative inactivity on the free agent market and whether he is concerned about the team moving forward.

"It's hard, he said. "I lost a lot of good friends, especially with Gio and Mad Dog. Clemmer, I got to know him a little bit, but he wasn't a guy I was really close with like Gio and Dog and Rupper with the kids and all that. It's always a little touchy when you get these guys leaving, but, as far as hockey is concerned, we created some holes. John was a tremendous player and he gave everything he had for us and it's sad to see him go, but, again, Lou makes the decisions for the best, I guess. It's just unfortunate for John that he had to move on.

"For Gio, that's a lot of money my friend, ($5 million per season)."

Brodeur said he has been asked a lot by his friends in Montreal about Gionta and Scott Gomez playing together on the Canadiens and how they will do up there.

"You should see how many people are asking me that question," he said. "Everybody is all over me about these two guys. It's crazy. But they'll have fun there...They will be under a tremendous amount of pressure compared to what they're used to. I feel for them now and I'm not even playing with them anymore."

Brodeur believes the Devils will still have a good team, though Lamoriello hasn't added any big names through free agency.

"It's going to be interesting because there is somewhat of a youth movement that's going on," he said. "We still have the core players. I'm not worried because we will adjust if we're lacking something. The wait-and-see (approach), we always do that in New Jersey. The fans, everybody should understand that. We always have good teams. That's why I'm not worried.

"For sure, it's tough to see some guys (signing elsewhere). You see the parade of free agents going everywhere and you just hope the ticker will say the Devils just for the sake of (making a move). But, I'm comfortable, I'm really comfortable with what we accomplished last year as a team. I love what we've done with the coaching staff and I think that we're going to be successful again next year."

{More coming}

Comments

[devilstown]

Note to #30 - Expect to play about 60 - 65 games this season. The best thing about Lemaire, he will be the boss, NOT MARTY.

[Jersey Mike]

so there seems to be alot of happy players, maybe some of the nerves around here will start to clam down. Lemaire coming back could very well be the best aquisition the Devils make this off season.

[Tapiolevo09]

TG- Thanks for the updates. I haven't had a chance to read them all yet, but I don't see any comments from Lemaire about the Captain? Also, interested in seeing what Jamie has to say about the hiring.

I swear last night the Johnny Mac taking over Lowell thought came to mind. I think that's a great move too.

[dannyd]

You're completely right, devilstown. I read Marty's book and I remember him telling one story about how JL sat Marty for a game in his hometown Montreal becasue JL thought Marty was out partying with his buddies the night before. Additionally, I think Marty's stature had almost gotten to the point where it was becoming a distraction, especially with some previous coaches who wouldn't stand up to him. For example, many people on here have commented how after Marty returned last year the team starting playing more defensive again, and how it may have been caused by Marty's return. With JL, you know he is the boss and won't hesitate to put anyone, including Marty, in his place. I think that is a good thing. To be honest, when the rumors first started swirling about JL return I was bummed, but now I think Lou made the perfect decision. Shows why I'm just a fan.

[devilstown]

TG - Thanks, for doing a great job of keeping us nutty fans umong the most informed in the entire league.

[Dan Longwood]

Wasn't Elias and Pandolfo here when Lemaire was here in 1998??

[Mikedeadworks]

"We're not going to run and gun as much as we did last year. We had the guns to do it, but now I think we'll be able to be successful in a different way."

UGGGGGGH, only 'gun' we lost was gionta and he shot more blanks than anything. Way to change the team dynamic back when we finally broke the mold. Super.

[Tapiolevo09]

Yes, Elias and Pandolfo played for him. Not sure the years. Now that you mention it, the year they lost to Ottawa in the playoffs I think there was some controversy about Lemaire sitting out Elias in the clinching game. Of course at that time Elias had yet to develop into the player he is today.

[TG]

You're right, Dan. I worded that wrong. I meant to write that only one player has been with the Devils the entire time since Lemaire first joined the Devils in 1993.

As far as the captaincy, the conference call was cut a little short, so there wasn't time for a lot of questions like that. There's plenty of time for that down the road, though.

Also, I am waiting to hear back from Jamie Langenbrunner. It is summer and people travel, etc., so you can't expect people to call you back right away.

[Tapiolevo09]

Thanks TG! It might be fun to also hear from the ever quotable Bobby Holik too. Even though he's retired now I'll bet he has a few words..

[RickyM2]

I like how players are speaking genuine, in stead of the typical "we're very excited and looking forward to working with him" That's the usual response in every sport.
However, I don't think Lemaire will have much control over Marty at all. In fact, I go as far as to believe that Marty played a role in JL's return. If Marty sits out games, it's cause Marty wants to. He did mention how much he cherished being with his family more when he was on the DL.
So... LETS GET IT ON!!!!!!!!

[Noam N. Kogen]

Devilstown:

I hope you're right about Martin Brodeur playing 60-65 games this upcoming season. He needs to not be exhausted come playoff time.

Lemaire should improve the defense.

Let's see what happens with the forwards. Devils still need a second line center.

[Tapiolevo09]

For all his greatness, just once I'd like to hear Marty say,"I should have made that save", instead of throwing teammates under the bus. Anyone who has read his book should know what I'm talking about. We all know about the defensive breakdowns that led to that Game 7 goal, but Marty you were the last line of defense!

[devilstown]

Just remember it's that air of arrogance that has gotten him the most wins in NHL HISTORY. I agree though it is a double edged skate!

[MikeK]

Was that a subtle admission by Marty that he thinks the Canadians overpaid for Gio?

[Steve Lepore]

Mike, its not exactly subtle.

[RickyM2]

I know it's not what we wanted, but still, i'm excited to see another flag hanging on opening day!!! Too bad it's going to hang on the wrong side of the arena. That flag will still mean a lot to me. Then of course the rags will have to manufacture hype on some old average player from 1000 years ago and retire his number just to have another banner. By 2015 the rags will have retired more people's numbers than social security

[devilstown]

Nice line, (SS), RicktM2 !

[TG]

Actually, I think he was saying you can't blame Gionta for taking it and the Devils for not matching. So, it's a little of both, I guess.

[dannyd]

I would disagree that MB petitioned for JL to be hired. When TG first reported on the possibility I remember him having a quote form Brodeur along the lines of..."It would be OK if JL came back, but we can't go back to playing really passive/defensive." Not exactly an endorsement for JL. Again, though, I think JL was the right choice for this team, and to tell Marty the hard truth every now and then; meaning, "Get the hell over it and sit down, Yann is playing tonight."

[RickyM2]

If Marty plays 70 games this year, Yann Danis is gunna be Yawn Danis cause he'll be sleeping on the bench

[RickyM2]

I have a theory on Devils back up goalies. i think they hire guys with names that fit their role.
Weekes - "Coach, when am i starting?" BRENT "many weekes from now"

Yann Danis - Yawn Danis

Frazie - "Coach, I need to play, I'm Frazing on this bench"

[Captain Fun]

Brodeur playing every game has to stop. He's no kid anymore and besides we know the regular season doesn't mean that much anyway.

[Zorin]

Totally agree. I know MB Loves to play, but this isn't the Mid-90s and he's gotta miss some starts.

[Big Tim]

TG, you ain't human!!! You never stop posting. I swear, you got to be a machine. Thanks for the updates.