The New Jersey Devils have named Larry Robinson as their new head coach. Robinson previously led the Devils to a Stanley Cup championship in 2000 but was let go less than two years later. He takes over for Pat Burns, who was diagnosed with cancer for the second time in a little more than a year and is unable to coach.
Robinson has been working in the Devils organization as a special assignment coach since August of 2002. He has primarily worked with minor league players at the Devils AHL farm club, the Albany River Rats.
Robinson was pleased with his return to coaching. 'New Jersey gave me my start. I had a lot of success with New Jersey, I know the organization, and I have a lot of confidence in Lou, and that's why this was the right combination,' he told reporters.
The Devils new coach was not upset that he had been fired previously by Devils GM Lou Lamoriello. 'Lou and I have spoken since that time and we both know that's part of hockey,' Robinson said. 'It's his job to put forth a winning combination and it's my job to win, and at that point we weren't winning.'
Robinson holds a career coaching record of 195-210-64, including 73-49-19 with the Devils. He also coached with the Los Angeles Kings. He will now take over the Devils at a time where there is more uncertainty in the NHL than ever. It's a good thing Robinson enjoys a challenge.
