NEWARK, N.J. — New Jersey Devils coach Jacques Lemaire has retired following his team's first-round playoff elimination for the third straight year.

Lemaire made the surprising announcement Monday, four days after the Devils were ousted by the Philadelphia Flyers in five games.

The 64-year-old Lemaire says he doesn't have the energy to coach anymore. He will stay with the Devils in a role yet to be determined.

Lemaire returned to the Devils last season for a second stint as coach. He led the team to the Stanley Cup in 1995.