The move came after Montreal relieved Michel Therrien of his duties. The final straw came after a 4-0 loss to Julien's old club, the Boston Bruins on Feb. 12
"I wish we weren't going in on first game. I wish it was the second or the third, maybe the last one is always the best one to go in before a guy gets fired," Maurice said with a smile back on Wednesday at MTS Iceplex. "Michel is a good coach. We've crossed paths over the years back when he was in Montreal the first time. He'll land on his feet. He'll enjoy his time off, and the carousel will turn."
The Jets will be looking to avenge a 7-4 loss to Montreal earlier this season. That was a night when the team wasn't proud of their effort, unlike Thursday's contest in Pittsburgh.
"I think it was a good start for the road trip. One point is better than nothing," said Patrik Laine, who scored his 27th of the season in the loss.
"I'm proud of every guy who battled out there. I think we played well, and maybe would have deserved to win."
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