Lightning Fires Coach, Hires Assistant

Steve Ludzik was billed as part of a new wave in coaching when he was hired by the Tampa Bay Lightning. He exited Saturday like all of his predecessors--without fulfilling a promise to turn the struggling NHL franchise into a winner.

The second-year coach was fired and replaced by assistant John Tortorella, who becomes the team’s fifth coach in nine seasons. The club’s first game under new direction will be tonight at Chicago.

“Obviously, this isn’t under the most ideal circumstances when someone else has to lose their job,” Tortorella said after a team workout in Chicago. “It’s the nature of the game and we, as coaches, know that. But it’s tough when you’re working with someone and you have to move into that spot.

“The main focus has to be on the team. The organization decided to make a change and I feel very fortunate to get the opportunity.”

Ludzik was hired in July 1999 and compiled a 31-74-2 record in one-plus seasons. His dismissal came two days after an 8-3 loss to the Ottawa Senators dropped the Lightning to 12-20-5-2 with 31 points.

Only the Florida Panthers, Montreal Canadiens and New York Islanders have fewer points.