The Tampa Bay Lightning have fired coach Guy Boucher. GM Steve Yzerman announced the firing earlier this morning. Tampa Bay assistant coaches Dan LaCroix and Martin Raymond will coach the team tonight against Winnipeg.
The Bolts are in 14th place in the Eastern Conference and are all but mathematically eliminated from the playoffs with just 17 games remaining. The Lightning are 13-17-1 and are 7-16-1 in their last 24 games. (Photo/Susan Ferlita)
GM Steve Yzerman issued this statement about the move:
Via TBO.com:
“Guy has poured his heart and soul into the Lightning organization for these past three years and we appreciate all the work he has done. But ultimately I am not satisfied with the direction we are heading and I believe making a change today is in the best interest of our franchise.”
With a record of 84-62-19, Boucher exits Tampa Bay as the highest winning percentage than any other coach in franchise history.
Speculation on a replacement seems to be overwhelmingly in favor of the Crunch’s Jon Cooper or just fired long time Buffalo coach Lindy Ruff. While Jon Cooper s a terrific coach, this team may benefit more from a seasoned leader like Ruff.
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