NHL-National Hockey League roundup

Dec 27 (The Sports Xchange) - In what he called a "unique situation," New Jersey Devils president and general manager Lou Lamoriello announced that there will be three men behind the bench for the time being but none will be the head coach. After firing head coach Pete DeBoer and assistant coach Dave Barr on Friday, Lamoriello said that former Washington Capitals head coach Adam Oates, legendary Devils defenseman Scott Stevens and Lamoriello himself will coach the team for the time being. "It's a unique way of approaching things," Lamoriello said in a press conference before the Devils held their morning skate in preparation for facing the New York Rangers later Saturday. "Adam will handle the forwards, Scott will run the defense and I'll go on the bench to make sure this works. It's a joint team effort and a unique situation." Oates and Stevens will remain as the coaches for the remainder of the season. A decision on a head coach will be made after the season. - - - The Detroit Red Wings removed goaltender Jimmy Howard from injured reserve and assigned goaltender Tom McCollum to the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League. Howard had missed two games because a groin injury that forced him out against the New York Islanders on Dec. 19. - - - The Columbus Blue Jackets activated left winger Scott Hartnell from injured reserve, added goaltender Anton Forsberg to the roster on emergency recall from Springfield of the AHL and reassigned center Sean Collins. Hartnell, 32, missed the last five games because of a broken finger. - - - Forward Mikhail Grigorenko was recalled by the Buffalo Sabres from Rochester of the AHL. Grigorenko joined the Sabres for the third time this season. He has played in four games for Buffalo. (Editing by Gene Cherry)