The Anaheim Ducks announced late Wednesday night that they have fired head coach Randy Carlyle and replaced him with former Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau.
Boudreau was fired by the Capitals on Monday.
Ducks general manager Bob Murray said: This was an extremely difficult decision. Randy is a terrific head coach, and did a tremendous job for us for six-plus seasons. We thank him greatly for his hard work and dedication to our franchise, not the least of which was a Stanley Cup championship. At this time, we simply felt a new voice was needed. Bruce is a proven winner with a great track record, and we are optimistic we can turn this season around under his leadership.
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Boudreau, 56, won the Southeast Division all four years he was head coach of the Capitals, taking over early in the 2007-08 season. He is the fastest coach in the modern era to amass 200 victories.
The Ducks are in last place in the Pacific Division with 18 points (7-13-4), and won just two of their previous 18 games before a 4-1 win over Montreal on Wednesday night. Carlyle was informed of Murrays decision after the game.
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The coaching change could mean that the Ducks will now hold on to star winger Bobby Ryan, who was the subject of rampant trade rumors this week.
San Jose Sharks
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The Sharks host the Ducks on Monday, Dec. 26 at HP Pavilion.
Boudreau's first game behind the bench for Anaheim is on Friday, when the Ducks host the Philadelphia Flyers.