Struggling Sabres fire Krueger as head coach

Firing Buffalo Sabres coach Ralph Krueger on Wednesday represents just the beginning of what could become Kevyn Adams’ major overhaul of an overpriced, underperforming team in the midst of a 12-game skid.

In laying only part of the blame on Krueger, the first-year general manager openly challenged his players’ accountability and pride, while suggesting changes to the roster are looming.

“We’re open to anything and everything,” Adams said, when asked whether he’d consider moving forward Taylor Hall, who is completing a one-year, $8 million contract. Adams said he’s been in discussions with numerous teams leading up to the NHL’s trade deadline on April 12.

“This is my job to make sure not only that I’m proactive but listening, as well doing everything I can to move this thing forward,” he said.

The Sabres are starting fresh yet again with Krueger becoming Buffalo’s sixth coach fired in just over eight calendar years. Krueger failed to make it through the second season of his three-year contract.

He was fired a day after Buffalo’s winless streak grew to 0-10-2 following a 3-2 loss at New Jersey.

ISLANDERS’ LEE OUT FOR SEASON >> New York Islanders captain Anders Lee is out for the rest of the season with a right knee injury that requires surgery. General manager Lou Lamoriello said Wednesday that Lee is set for surgery later this week to repair a torn ACL. Lee tore the ligament when he got tangled up with New Jersey’s Pavel Zacha last Thursday.

RANGERS 9, FLYERS 0 >> Mika Zibanejad had three goals and three assists in New York’s seven-goal second period, and the Rangers routed Philadelphia. Pavel Buchnevich had two goals and two assists — all in the second period — and Brendan Lemieux, Artemi Panarin, Jacob Trouba and Filip Chytil also scored in the Rangers’ most decisive victory since beating New Jersey 9-0 in 1986.