Doug MacLean stepped down as coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday after failing to duplicate the success he had in Florida.
MacLean remains president and general manager of the Blue Jackets, who have the worst record in the NHL. Assistant Gerard Gallant was elevated to the head coaching spot.
“We have a lot of guys who haven’t played to their potential. I hope I was the reason for that,” said MacLean. “Now, they won’t have that for an excuse.”
MacLean coached the Florida Panthers to the 1996 Stanley Cup finals in the franchise’s third season. Gallant takes over immediately. Columbus opens a seven-game trip Friday in Tampa Bay.
MacLean, 49, had a 24-43-8-4 record as Columbus’ coach since taking over for Dave King last January.
The Blue Jackets were the last team to win a road game, beating the Blackhawks on Dec. 26.
Caps’ Zubrus out 4 weeks
Washington Capitals center Dainius Zubrus will be sidelined two to four weeks because of a broken bone in his right foot. Zubrus was injured Wednesday night when he was struck by a slap shot in the first period of a 7-1 loss at Buffalo. Zubrus has 11 goals and 12 assists this season.
The Capitals shuffled their roster by recalling centers Brian Sutherby and Darcy Verot from Portland of the AHL. Center Colin Forbes was reassigned to Portland.
RESULTS, THURSDAY’S SYNOPSIS
Pittsburgh 2 at Nashville 3
Kimmo Timonen had two power-play goals and assisted on a third for Predators. Martin Erat’s goal broke tie at 7:19 of third. Goalie Tomas Vokoun’s 81st career win tied franchise record.
New Jersey 2 at Washington 2
Mike Grier scored first goal since opening night (36-game drought) and Joel Kwiatkowski tied game in third period for Capitals. Grant Marshall and Sergei Brylin scored for Devils.
Toronto 2 at Boston 3
Shaone Morrisonn had goal and assist to help Bruins snap nine-game winless streak at home. Felix Potvin preserved victory by robbing Tom Fitzgerald with glove save with :29 left.
N.Y. Islanders 0 at Ottawa 1
Peter Schaefer scored with 5:55 to go in the third period and Patrick Lalime recorded Ottawa’s second straight shutout as Senators ended Islanders’ winning streak at six.
N.Y. Rangers 4 at St. Louis 5
Chris Pronger scored the first of St. Louis’ four power-play goals and Doug Weight added three assists as Blues coach Joel Quenneville earned his 300th NHL victory.
