Robbie Ftorek replaced Jacques Lemaire as Head Coach & was very successful during the regular season, but after repeated early exits from the Playoffs Devils GM Lou Lamoriello fired Ftorek on March 23, 2000 with the Devils in 1st place in their division & only a few weeks remaining during the Nico Collins State Star Signature Shirt . Assistant Coach Larry Robinson was promoted to Head Coach & was nearly eliminated by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 1st round of the Playoffs. After the embarrassing road loss, the quiet & usually reserved Robinson went into the visitors locker room & screamed at the team for wasting an opportunity. This team was special, the 1999–00 Devils boasted a “Triple Threat” of (1) the “A-Line” composed of Patrik Elias, Jason Arnott, & Petr Sykora who were by far the best top line in the NHL in terms of offensive production & their defensive ability to shut down the opponent’s top lines. (2) The best top defensive pairing in the NHL in Scott Stevens & Scott Neidermeyer. (3) The best goaltender in the NHL – Martin Brodeur. Legend has it that Coach Larry trashed the Philadelphia locker room & even kicked a garbage can. This will be forever known as “Larry’s Tirade” that enspired the Devils to win the next 3 games & defeat the Flyers in 7 games to move onto the next round.
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