DEVILS at PREDATORS – Tonight 8:00 – FSN2; WFAN (660)

NASHVILLE – Feeling better, Larry Robinson likes what his interim replacement is doing.

“I hate to say it, but there are a lot of things about having the boss on the bench looking over your shoulder,” Robinson told The Post. “He’s the main guy there and some things are different because of that.

“His presence has made a big difference.”

The Devils stand 9-5 under Lou Lamoriello, seeking an eighth straight victory when they complete their three-game road trip against the Predators here tonight.

“They’re playing terrific,” Robinson said. “Whatever he’s doing, it’s working.”

Robinson was back in New Jersey for a few days from nearly a month in California after he stepped down as Devils coach Dec. 19. Robinson cited the stress of trying to keep a struggling team afloat as the reason for his departure with a 14-13-5 record.

“I’m better, thank you. It’s amazing what happens when you’re around your family and two grandchildren for a while. It puts a smile on your face,” Robinson said.

Robinson, who coached the Devils to the 2000 Stanley Cup and the seventh game of the 2001 Finals, said his future was uncertain.

“I really don’t know,” Robinson said. “I spoke to [Lamoriello] on two occasions and asked him if there was something special he wanted me to do.

“He said, ‘No, just get yourself better.’ If they need something, they’ll contact me. I guess I’m kind of back on consulting work.”

Robinson, who is headed to Florida shortly, said he remained shaken up a while.

“I thought it wouldn’t take me long, but it took me longer than I thought,” Robinson said. “I guess the headaches weren’t all because of stress, but had something to do with the sinusitis I had.

“I had to get good sleep habits back and slow my mind down. It took two or three weeks before I really got better.”

Robinson said that besides the obvious absence of Patrik Elias, the Devils also were affected by the knowledge that some players would have to be sacrificed for the salary cap when Elias returned.

“I’m sure that played a little on their minds,” Robinson said. “And as much as I like Alex [Mogilny], his presence and the way he was playing wasn’t helping. When one person is playing a certain way, it drags the others’ game down, too.

“Three great players [departed], Mogilny, Dan McGillis and Vladimir Malakhov. Now, holy geez, that’s a hell of a wakeup call.”