Panthers fire head coach DeBoer

SUNRISE, Fla., April 10 (UPI) -- The Florida Panthers fired head coach Peter DeBoer Sunday after a last-place finish in the Eastern Conference.

DeBoer was dismissed after the Panthers wrapped up a 30-40-12 season and missed the playoffs for the 10th straight year.

Florida defeated Washington 1-0 Saturday to break a 10-game losing streak.

"These decisions are always tough to make, but we felt strongly that it was the right time to make a change," Panthers General Manager Dale Tallon said. "We need to go in a new direction with a fresh approach and philosophy as it relates to our head coaching position."

DeBoer posted a 103-107-36 record in three seasons since taking the Panthers' helm in June 2008.