(04/02/07) EAST RUTHERFORD ? The Devils fired head coach Claude Julien Monday despite the team?s first-place standing in the Atlantic Division.

Julien will be replaced by general manager Lou Lamoriello. The team had won four of its last five games and has compiled a 47-24-8 record, the second-best record in the Eastern Conference. Monday?s move marks the second time in two years Lamoriello has taken over coaching duties. Last year, he led the team to an Atlantic Division title after Larry Robinson resigned in December.

Lamoriello is no stranger to late-season firings. He gave Robby Ftorek his walking papers late in the 2002-2003 season. Robinson then led the team to its third Stanley Cup since 1995.