Sabres clean house by firing GM, coach

BUFFALO, N.Y. » General manager Tim Murray ran out of time to rebuild the Buffalo Sabres into a contender. The team will need a new head coach, too.

Sabres owner Terry Pegula cleaned house by firing Murray and coach Dan Bylsma on Thursday amid questions over player accountability during a season in which Buffalo extended its franchise-worst playoff drought to a sixth year. Pegula reached the decision after spending the past two days holding season-ending meetings with Murray, and some 10 days after Buffalo closed its season by finishing last in the Atlantic Division.

“We want to thank Tim and Dan for their hard work and efforts that they have put in during their tenures with the club,” Pegula said in a statement released by the team. “We wish them luck. We have begun the process to fill these positions immediately.”

Murray completed his third full season as GM, and was responsible for overseeing a top-to-bottom overhaul that began under his predecessor Darcy Regier, who was fired in November 2012. Bylsma completed his second season. Both had three years left on their respective contracts.

Murray hinted last week his future in Buffalo, and that of Bylsma, was uncertain. Though he backed Bylsma in returning for a third season, Murray cautioned the decision was ultimately Pegula’s.

It’s the latest change for the Sabres, who are no searching for their fourth coach since Lindy Ruff was fired in February 2013.

Matthews, Laine and Werenski are Calder finalists

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews, Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski and Winnipeg Jets winger Patrik Laine are the finalists for the Calder Trophy for NHL rookie of the year.

The league announced the top three in voting Thursday night.

Matthews is the front-runner after scoring 40 goals and leading all rookies with 69 points.

The winner will be announced at the NHL awards show June 21 in Las Vegas.