Darryl Sutter takes over as LA Kings coach

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 20 (UPI) -- The Los Angeles Kings Tuesday officially named Darryl Sutter their new coach.

Sutter replaces Terry Murray, who was fired Dec. 12, and will coach his first game at home Thursday against Anaheim. John Stevens coached the team for four games in the interim.

Reports had surfaced this past weekend that Sutter had worked out a multi-year deal to lead the Kings but immigration issues apparently delayed getting him on board.

The Kings are in fourth place in the Pacific Division with 34 points and last in the league in scoring with a 2.12 goal-per-game average

Sutter, 53, has taken a team to the playoffs in 10 of the 11 seasons he has been an NHL coach. The former NHL forward has a 409-320-131 record with Chicago, San Jose and Calgary. His 2004 Calgary team reached the Stanley Cup finals.

He resigned as the Flames' general manager a year ago.