Panthers Fire Coach, GM

S U N R I S E, Fla., Dec. 28 -- The Florida Panthers, with only sixvictories in 36 games, today fired coach Terry Murray and hisbrother, Vice President and General Manager Bryan Murray.

Duane Sutter, a scout for the Panthers for the past threeseasons, took over as coach.

President Bill Torrey made the moves today, one day after thePanthers lost 5-2 to Philadelphia. As had become customary at homegames, fans chanted “Fire Murray! Fire Murray!”

Torrey will become interim general manager. Assistant coachesBilly Smith and Slavomir Lener were retained.

Murray Was in Third Season as Coach

Even with Pavel Bure, the NHL’s leading scorer last season,Florida was only 6-18-7-5 and had only one win in its last 14games. Attendance has sagged in the 2-year-old National Car RentalCenter, and founding owner Wayne Huizenga is trying to sell thestruggling franchise.

Terry Murray, hired by his brother, was in his third season withthe Panthers and had a record of 79-85-31-11. Last season, thePanthers finished second in the Southeast Division but were sweptin the first round of the playoffs by the New Jersey Devils,eventual Stanley Cup champions.

Murray’s career NHL record in 12 seasons is 360-283-89-11.

Bryan Murray was in his seventh season as the Panthers’ vicepresident and general manager.