TAMPA, Fla., June 3 (UPI) -- The Tampa Bay Lightning announced Tuesday they have fired Coach John Tortorella.
Tortorella had one year remaining on his contract. He directed the Lightning to a Stanley Cup championship after the 2003-04 season, but Tampa Bay was eliminated in the first round of the next two playoffs and finished this season in last place in the NHL.
"This has been a very difficult decision because of everything that John Tortorella has meant to and done for this organization," said Lightning General Manager Jay Feaster.
Tortorella took over with 43 games remaining in the 2001-02 season and finished with a record of 239-222-36-38.
"John was entering the final year of his contract and extending his contract was not a viable option," Feaster added. "Having him enter and coach the season in a lame duck status was not something I was prepared to recommend to ownership."
