New Jersey Devils fire coach Lindy Ruff and named his replacement for the rest of the season…

The New Jersey Devils have relieved coach Lindy Ruff of his duties and appointed assistant Travis Green as the interim replacement for the remainder of the season.

General manager Tom Fitzgerald made this unexpected decision with approximately 20 games remaining in the season. The Devils’ recent struggles, losing five of their last seven games, have pushed them further from playoff contention, trailing behind Metropolitan Division rival Philadelphia by seven points and the Eastern Conference wild-card spots by eight points.

Ruff, 64, served as the head coach for the team for four seasons. Despite the Devils’ advancement to the second round of the playoffs last season, expectations for another deep run were unmet this season.

Fitzgerald expressed the organization’s commitment to being a competitive team and holding themselves accountable for their performance. He described the decision to part ways with Ruff as difficult, acknowledging Ruff’s contributions to the development of young players and his personal qualities.

Ruff had received a multiyear contract extension before the season, but dissatisfaction among fans led to chants of “Fire Lindy!” during games. Green, who joined the Devils’ coaching staff this season as an associate coach under Ruff, assumes the interim coaching role. Fitzgerald highlighted Green’s experience at various coaching levels and his familiarity with the team as reasons for his appointment.

Ruff, having previously coached the Buffalo Sabres and the Dallas Stars, becomes the seventh NHL coach to be fired this season. The rest of Ruff’s coaching staff will remain in their positions.

The Devils have two games scheduled before the trade deadline, prompting Fitzgerald to make decisions regarding the team’s short- and long-term future. Pending free agents, including leading goal-scorer Tyler Toffoli, add to the considerations. Defensive struggles, reflected in a low save percentage and high goals-against average, contributed to Ruff’s departure.