Ducks fire coach Bruce Boudreau after Pacific Division title, playoff loss

— -- Bruce Boudreau, who coached the Anaheim Ducks to the Pacific Division title for the fourth consecutive season only to lose in the Stanley Cup playoffs, was fired Friday, the team announced.

"I would like to thank Bruce for his hard work and dedication to the franchise," general manager Bob Murray said in a statement. "This was a very difficult decision to make. Bruce is a good coach and character person, and we wish him the best of luck in the future."

The Ducks finished atop the Pacific standings with a 46-25-11 record for 103 points, one better than the Los Angeles Kings. Anaheim, however, was on the losing end of a deciding Game 7 against the Nashville Predators in the first round of the playoffs.

It was the fourth consecutive season that Boudreau led Anaheim to the division title only to lose Game 7 at home, each time after holding a 3-2 lead.

Boudreau had a regular-season record of 208-104-40 with the Ducks. Prior to joining Anaheim, Boudreau coached the Capitals from 2007-11. He has a career record of 409-192-80.

Murray said the Ducks' coaching search will begin immediately.