Lou Lamoriello attempts to explain Devils new coaching situation
After a game and a couple practices under the new three-headed coaching regime, New Jersey Devils general manager/coach attempted to explain the club's unique situation behind the bench.
The Devils gathered for practice after Saturday's 3-1 loss to the rival New York Rangers, with Lamoriello watching from above and Adam Oates and Scott Stevens directing proceedings on the ice.
Here's what Lamoriello had to say afterwards, according to Rich Chere of NJ.com:
Will Adam Oates and Scott Stevens be allowed to talk (to the media)?
No. That could change.
So they’re assistant coaches, despite not having titles.
Yes, basically. I like to say they’re co-coaches. You can describe it any way you wish.
If they’re co-coaches, why are they not allowed to talk?
Because there should only be one voice. That’s been consistent here.
Will Lamoriello spend the rest of the season behind the bench?
I’m not even thinking beyond a day at a time and a game at a time. I don’t want to say A and B happens or C happens.
What has to happen to convince you him to be behind the bench?
How we play. How it’s going. What the receptiveness is. A lot of different variables. There is not one in particular.
That should clear things up quite tidily, we think.
Lamoriello also spent some time talking to veteran forward Jaromir Jagr, leading to this somewhat comical revelation:
Jagr said Lamoriello asked him to name three players he would choose for the shootout and that led to their lengthy discussion on bench.
— Tom Gulitti (@TGfireandice) December 28, 2014
Jagr said he could only name one player -- Scott Gomez and then was stumped, which is why their talk took so long.
— Tom Gulitti (@TGfireandice) December 28, 2014
Lamoriello reiterated the fact that a change needed to be made, and that he had no regrets over how thing have changed in light of the firing of Pete DeBoer.
The club's coaching triumvirate will get its next shot at a win Monday against the Pittsburgh Penguins.