Now that the Devils have eliminated the Canadiens, Lemaire's attitude has changed drastically.
However the Devils rebounded and eliminated the Bruins, winning the next four games straight.
And for sure, it was the same type of result - the Devils eliminated from the playoffs by their archrivals across the river.
It was the first meeting between the teams since the Devils eliminated Toronto in the playoffs last season.
For tonight's encounter against the Washington Capitals, for example, the Devils even eliminated the traditional morning skate.
The Devils have eliminated thoughtless penalties and have reduced their penalty minutes almost in half.
The Devils, using a physical style, have eliminated the Maple Leafs from the playoffs the last two years.
The Devils were eliminated, four games to two, in the first round by the Carolina Hurricanes.
During the second round of the playoffs, the Devils eliminated the Leafs in seven games.
The Devils eliminated the Capitals in the seventh game of the Patrick Division championship series.