In the New Jersey Devils' exit interviews, almost every player was asked about head coach Lindy Ruff & his future in New Jersey. Ruff has a pretty terrible record in New Jersey, but in fairness the team hasn't been great in front of him. Last season was injury ridden, while this season was goalies-can't-stop-a-beach-ball ridden. Combine that with a bottom-rate powerplay, and you won't win a lot.
That said, when asked about his coach, superstar in the making Jack Hughes had this to say:
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He expanded on a follow-up question:
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Hughes truly may have saved his coach's job, but in reality it isn't clear that Ruff is the problem. With league-worst goaltending AND powerplay, it's hard to pin it all on one guy. What should the Devils do, you might ask?
Simple:
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They will likely make a few on-ice personnel moves, but other than that many of the necessary pieces seem in place. Ruff will likely have a short leash next season should the team have yet another poor start.
