SAN JOSE, Calif. — The Sharks fired coach Ron Wilson on Monday after his team followed another outstanding regular season with an early exit from the Stanley Cup playoffs.
The Sharks won the Pacific Division title and compiled the NHL’s second- best record with 49 wins and 108 points, but the Stars knocked them out of the second round in six games.
San Jose has ended its past three seasons with six-game losses in the second round, and general manager Doug Wilson decided his coach would take the fall for his talented playoff underachievers.
“Sometimes the class needs a new professor, and sometimes the professor needs a new class,” the general manager said.
Ron Wilson became the Sharks’ leader in victories and winning percentage while going 206-134-45 and winning two division titles during 4 1/2 seasons behind their bench. His 518 victories rank eighth in NHL history, trailing only Mike Keenan and Bryan Murray among active coaches.
Footnotes.
Flyers defenseman Braydon Coburn is doubtful for tonight’s playoff game after taking a puck in the face during Sunday’s 4-2 loss to the Penguins.
• Stars forward Jere Leh-tinen is day to day because of a leg injury.
• Nashville signed forward Martin Erat to a seven-year, $31.5 million deal.
The Associated Press
