The LA Kings have a "very short list" of potential replacements for former coach Terry Murray, who was ousted Monday after two consecutive seasons of first-round playoff exits and a slow start to the season.
John Stevens will serve as the team's interim head coach, starting Tuesday night when the Kings hope to end a four-game losing streak against the NHL champion Bruins in Boston.
There is no timeline for hiring a permanent replacement for Murray, Kings officials said.
"We're looking at all our options,'' said Kings president/general manager Dean Lombardi, adding that there is a "very short list" of candidates.
Murray, 61, gtuided the team to a 139-106-30 record since the start of the 2008-09 season. The team is off to a 13-12-4 start this season with a league-low 2.21 goals per game.
"Every situation is unique, but why else -- in any sport -- would you make this change unless you're hoping for improvement?'' Lombardi said. "I have such respect for the man. This was one of the hardest-working coaches that I've ever been exposed to in terms of his commitment to the game and always searching for ways to get better."
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