Vancouver Canucks' head coach Alain Vigneault reacts on the bench near the end of the third period during the team's 5-2 loss to the Detroit Red Wings during an NHL hockey game in Vancouver, B.C., on Saturday March 16, 2013. It appears Vigneault has paid the price for his team's early exit from the playoffs.According to multiple media reports, the team has fired Vigneault and assistants Rick Bowness and Newell Browne.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
May 22, 2013 - 1:54 PM
VANCOUVER - It appears Vancouver Canucks coach Alain Vigneault has paid the price for his team's early exit from the playoffs.
According to multiple media reports, the team has fired Vigneault and assistants Rick Bowness and Newell Browne.
When contacted by The Canadian Press, the Canucks would not comment on the reports.
The Canucks' all-time leader in coaching wins, Vigneault led the club to six Northwest Division titles, two Presidents' Trophy titles and an appearance in the 2011 Stanley Cup final.
But Vancouver was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs in the last two seasons, including via a sweep by the San Jose Sharks this year.
It was the first time in 12 years that the Canucks were swept in the post-season.
Vigneault has a 313-170-57 record over seven seasons in Vancouver.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2013