The Devils have been known as a defense-first team since Jacques Lemaire's tenure, when he implemented a system commonly called the neutral zone trap.[54] This system is designed to force teams to turn over the puck in the neutral zone leading to a counterattack.[55] This style of play, coupled with poor attendance and television ratings, led the team to be chastised by the media and hockey fans for "making the NHL boring".[56] Nevertheless, the Devils were successful using this style of play, and Devils coach Larry Robinson asserted that the Montreal Canadiens (who also won the Cup many times) he played on in the 1970s used a form of the trap, though it did not have a name.[57] Under Jacques Lemaire, the team adopted less of a trap and more of a transitional, "run and gun" style of play.[58] Players such as John Madden, who excels at shorthanded goals, have led the team in placing a greater emphasis on speed and forechecking for the puck. Likewise Brian Gionta and Patrik Elias are known as strong playmakers on the offensive side of the ice. Newcomers Zach Parise and Travis Zajac emphasize speed and solid puck handling.