Lemaire will announce plans after game
Sunday, 04.10.2011 / 1:31 PM
/ News
By Eric Marin
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Will he or won't he? Devils fans won't have to wait much longer to find out. Jacques Lemaire has said he'll announce his plans for the future after today's 3 p.m. finale with the Bruins.
"I don’t think so," Lemaire said when asked if he would hold off an a decision. "I’m going to save you a trip."
Lemaire took over for John MacLean on Dec. 23 and has led the Devils to a 28-17-3 mark with one game remaining on the schedule. He announced his retirement last season following the Devils' first-round series loss to Philadelphia.
Lemaire won his 600th game on Feb. 10 at Toronto. He's one of just eight coaches to accomplish the feat, and joined Scotty Bowman, Al Arbour, Dick Irvin, Sr., Pat Quinn, Mike Keenan, Bryan Murray and Ron Wilson.
Henrique and Urbom recalled from Albany
Forward Adam Henrique and defenseman Alexander Urbom have been recalled from Albany and will play today against Boston. It will be Henrique’s NHL debut.
Henrique, 21, is the second leading scorer in Albany this season with 25 goals and 25 assists. He'll get a look in the Devils' last game of 2010-11.
“I think it’s the look, yes, but I think the kid had a real good year," Lemaire said. "I think it’ll be good for him to just play a game, see how he plays because he’s been playing at his best there.”
Henrique was a third-round pick in 2008. Lemaire believes he'll have a shot to crack the lineup next year.
“Very smart hockey player," Lemaire said. "Strong. Great hockey sense. Can score, can make plays."
Urbom, 20, has two goals and 21 assists. He's still looking for his first NHL point after seven appearances with New Jersey earlier this season.
David Steckel and Jay Leach will be scratched. Johan Hedberg gets the start in net.
Fan Appreciation Day
With the Devils hosting Fan Appreciation Day on Sunday, Lemaire was asked about the fan support during the Devils' tough season. They recovered with an outstanding second half, but will miss the playoffs for the first time since 1996. They're also assured of finishing below .500 for the first time since 1991.
"Myself and the players too, they felt that they were sticking with us, they were behind us when we had the run there," Lemaire said. "All the guys talked about it. They were good, they were really good. Because you know, at the start, when you come in and you have a hard time to win a game, it’s tough for the fans to keep coming, keep supporting. But they were good. It shows something."
"I don’t think so," Lemaire said when asked if he would hold off an a decision. "I’m going to save you a trip."
Lemaire took over for John MacLean on Dec. 23 and has led the Devils to a 28-17-3 mark with one game remaining on the schedule. He announced his retirement last season following the Devils' first-round series loss to Philadelphia.
Lemaire won his 600th game on Feb. 10 at Toronto. He's one of just eight coaches to accomplish the feat, and joined Scotty Bowman, Al Arbour, Dick Irvin, Sr., Pat Quinn, Mike Keenan, Bryan Murray and Ron Wilson.
Henrique and Urbom recalled from Albany
Forward Adam Henrique and defenseman Alexander Urbom have been recalled from Albany and will play today against Boston. It will be Henrique’s NHL debut.
Henrique, 21, is the second leading scorer in Albany this season with 25 goals and 25 assists. He'll get a look in the Devils' last game of 2010-11.
“I think it’s the look, yes, but I think the kid had a real good year," Lemaire said. "I think it’ll be good for him to just play a game, see how he plays because he’s been playing at his best there.”
Henrique was a third-round pick in 2008. Lemaire believes he'll have a shot to crack the lineup next year.
“Very smart hockey player," Lemaire said. "Strong. Great hockey sense. Can score, can make plays."
Urbom, 20, has two goals and 21 assists. He's still looking for his first NHL point after seven appearances with New Jersey earlier this season.
David Steckel and Jay Leach will be scratched. Johan Hedberg gets the start in net.
Fan Appreciation Day
With the Devils hosting Fan Appreciation Day on Sunday, Lemaire was asked about the fan support during the Devils' tough season. They recovered with an outstanding second half, but will miss the playoffs for the first time since 1996. They're also assured of finishing below .500 for the first time since 1991.
"Myself and the players too, they felt that they were sticking with us, they were behind us when we had the run there," Lemaire said. "All the guys talked about it. They were good, they were really good. Because you know, at the start, when you come in and you have a hard time to win a game, it’s tough for the fans to keep coming, keep supporting. But they were good. It shows something."
