Sorrowful news: The head coach of the New Jersey Devils has announced the death of his all-time player.

Sorrowful news: The head coach of the New Jersey Devils has announced the death of his all-time player.

The New Jersey Devils have had a difficult season in recent years.

Since reaching the 2012 Stanley Cup Final, they have only once advanced to the postseason. They have finished no better than second-to-last in their division in all but two of the previous ten seasons.

The Devils, who had the first overall pick in both 2017 (Nico Hischier) and 2019 (Jack Hughes), have attempted to rebuild their roster through a number of trades and veteran signings. However, nothing was functioning.

Lindy Ruff sitting on a bench
March 8, 2022, in Newark, New Jersey; coach Lindy Ruff of the New Jersey Devils during the second period against the Colorado Avalanche at the Prudential Center. (Getty Images, Andy Marlin/NHLI)

In an attempt to turn the franchise around, they hired seasoned coach Lindy Ruff in 2020, but during his two seasons in charge, they placed seventh in the Metropolitan Division.

Despite Ruff having the fifth-most wins of any coach in NHL history, fans had had enough. “Fire Lindy” chants were heard throughout Prudential Center less than a month ago, but since they’ve won nine straight, the atmosphere has undoubtedly changed.

Indeed, the Jersey supporters are now profusely and visibly apologizing to Ruff.

During their 4-2 victory over the Arizona Coyotes on Saturday night, cries of “Sorry Lindy” echoed throughout Prudential Center.

The victory increased the Devils’ record to 12-3-0 for the year.