No interim tag as DeBoer replaces Gallant as Golden Knights coach

Before some rough patches this season, Gord Gallant was on a honeymoon since being hired in April 2017 to coach the league’s 31st team, the Vegas Golden Knights.

He helped president of hockey operations George McPhee and general manager Kelly McCrimmon during the Golden Knights’ successful expansion draft and instilled a workmanlike attitude that helped a ragtag group of players come together during a magical inaugural season.

Vegas won eight of its first nine games and put together a stirring run through the playoffs to land in the final against the Capitals.

Wednesday, the honeymoon ended as Gallant, 56, was fired along with assistant coach Mike Kelly. Gallant was replaced by recently fired San Jose Sharks coach Pete DeBoer. DeBoer, ousted by the Sharks in December amid their disappointing season, is a permanent replacement with no interim designation.

“I think our team has more to give, and that was what into the decision,” McCrimmon said.

The Golden Knights are 86-1 in their past 15 games, but they are only three points out of first in the Pacific Division. Gallant was set to coach the Pacific team at AllStar Weekend later this month after Vegas led the division at the halfway mark.

Bruins

Boston goaltender Tuukka Rask suffered a concussion in a 3-0 loss Tuesday night in Columbus. Rask left just 1:12 into the game after getting hit in the head by a passing Blue Jackets player. Emil Bemstrom was cutting across the front of the Bruins’ crease when it appeared his elbow or forearm caught Rask on the side of the head, drawing the ire of Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy.

The Bruins will play host to the Penguins Thursday night.

Flyers

Philadelphia goalie Carter Hart will be out two to three weeks with a right lower abdominal strain, the team announced Wednesday.

In his second NHL season, Hart has appeared in 32 games with a 15-11-3 record, a 2.61 goals-against average and .905 save percentage.