Penguins Fire Coach Michel Therrien

It's been a struggle this season for the Pittsburgh Penguins. The 2008 Eastern Conference Champions have never really approached that kind of form this season. Saturday kind of typified the season. The Pens went up 2-0 in Toronto and looked like they were going to win with relative ease. Instead, they folded like a cheap tent, allowing six unanswered goals in a 6-2 loss to an also-ran in the conference.

Sunday, head coach Michel Therrien paid for the team's struggles with his job.

The Penguins pulled the trigger after much speculation over the last few weeks. The job goes to Dan Bylsma, who had been coaching the Pens' AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barre.

"We believe we need a change in direction and, with 25 games remaining in the regular season, our goal remains to finish strong and qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs," general manager Ray Shero said in a prepared statement. "Dan Bylsma is one of the bright young coaches in the game and has done an exceptional job as the head coach in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton this season.

"We also would like to thank Michel Therrien for his significant contributions to the Penguins organization."

Obviously, this is a move borne out of desperation. The Penguins know they can't get back to the playoffs if things don't turn around. They don't really have the cap flexibility to go buy a bunch of new wingers to play around Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.

They can't fire all the players. So, as is the general practice, the coach will pay for his team's sins.

Don't feel too bad for Therrien. He'll get work somewhere. He's been way too successful at too many levels of hockey, including the NHL.

Bylsma's challenge begins Monday afternoon, as the Penguins take on the Islanders.