East Rutherford, NJ -- New Jersey Devils head coach Pat Burns announced during a Sunday afternoon press conference that he has colon cancer.

Burns and the Devils are fresh off a series pasting by the Philadelphia Flyers, who defeated New Jersey four games to one in their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series.

Burns stated that even if New Jersey advanced in the post-season, he could not have been behind the bench in the second round or beyond. Burns will begin treatment and his status will be evaluated after the summer.

"All my time and energy must be focused on this," Burns said. "I need my energy."

Burns knew of his health prior to the opening round versus Philadelphia.

The Devils hired Burns in June 2002 and last season won their third Stanley Cup since 1995.

Burns is the only coach to win the Jack Adams Trophy three times. He won the award for the league's best coach with Montreal in 1998-89, Toronto in 1992-93 and Boston in 1997-98.

"I like his chances and we're all going to be behind him" Devils star defenseman Scott Stevens said. "It puts everything into perspective."

New Jersey played the series without the services of Stevens, who is suffering from post-concussion syndrome.