It’s been the worst of times and the best of times in New Jersey as the Devils went from a team that felt like it would never win to a team that feels like it might never lose. The ride has been a bit of a rollercoaster but no one has felt it as much as head coach Lindy Ruff who was booed mercilessly by the fans early and is now being apologized to in unison.
To open the season and after a couple of campaigns where the Devils just weren’t very good, Ruff was booed before the Devils’ home opener against the Detroit Red Wings this season. He seemed taken aback by the response considering the season was barely underway, but the Devils as a franchise had only won 46 games in 138 games with him behind the bench. To make matters worse, his potential replacement in Andrew Brunette was standing right beside him and it was clear that Devils fans wanted Brunette to be the man, not Ruff.
A video vent rival on social media of Ruff’s reactions to the boos as he turned to coach Brunette and said, ”I think I’m being booed.” Things only got worse as the Devils lost that game to Detroit and “Fire Lindy” chants followed, ringing throughout the Prudential Center. When asked about the reaction from fans, Ruff responded: ”We got passionate fans here. They’re used to winning. I mean, that’s a part of my job. I take full responsibility for when this team loses. Great history here. The fans want W’s up on the board. As simple as that.”
Things Have Changed Rather Quickly
Since the Devils lost that game, they’ve been nothing short of amazing. The team is now 12-3-0 and the club has won nine straight. Those boos have turned to cheers and the chants have turned from “Fire Lindy” to “Sorry Lindy”. Again, Ruff was asked for his take on the fickle response from fans.
He noted when asked for comment that he didn’t actually hear the apology chants and was told about them after the game. But, he noted, “I accept their apology.” He then added while laughing, “Someday us and the fans are going to sit down and have a beer and laugh about that one.”
The Devils will be going for their 10th win in a row Tuesday night in Montreal against the Canadiens and this could be one of the best starts of any season for the franchise if they are able to keep things rolling. The fans went from being rough on Ruff to being his buddy. We’ll see how long it lasts.
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