Boughner fired as Panthers coach

Bob Boughner was fired as coach of the Florida Panthers on Sunday.

The 48-year-old was 79-62-22 in two seasons, missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs each time. Florida finished 36-32-14 this season, 12 points behind the Columbus Blue Jackets for the second wild card from the Eastern Conference. The Panthers have not reached the playoffs since 2016.
Assistant Paul McFarland was also fired.
"We made a tough decision today and have relieved Bob Boughner of his duties as head coach," Panthers general manager Dale Tallon said. "We didn't meet expectations this season and share responsibility for that fact.

"After careful evaluation, we have determined that this is a necessary first step for our young team and we will seek to identify a transformative, experienced head coach with Stanley Cup pedigree to lead our team going forward. We're grateful to Bob, Paul and their families for their hard work and their dedication to the Panthers organization and we wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors."
With Boughner and Phil Housley of the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday, nine coaches have been fired this season, following Guy Boucher (Ottawa Senators), Randy Carlyle (Anaheim Ducks), Dave Hakstol (Philadelphia Flyers), Todd McLellan (Edmonton Oilers), Mike Yeo (St. Louis Blues), Joel Quenneville (Chicago Blackhawks) and John Stevens (Los Angeles Kings). The Kings, who replaced Stevens with Willie Desjardins, said Sunday that they would not retain Desjardins for next season.