The New Jersey Devils fired rookie coach John MacLean on Thursday and brought back Jacques Lemaire to replace him. The Devils have been one of the most disappointing teams in the NHL this season. New Jersey, which has not missed the playoffs since 1997, is tied with the New York Islanders for the fewest points in the league with 20 in 33 games (9-22-2). Their 59 goals also are the fewest. Lemaire, in his third stint with the Devils -- he led them to the Stanley Cup in 1995 -- is expected to be behind the bench Thursday night against the Islanders. "It's a decision that certainly is not one that's pleasant or we feel good about," Devils president and general manager Lou Lamoriello said. "But it's a decision that, in my opinion, had to be made." Lamoriello made the decision two days after the Devils dropped a 5-1 decision to Washington for their third straight loss and eight in nine games this month. The Devils have been outscored 15-3 in the past three games. Read more: http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/nhl/news/story?id=5950684
