MIAMI - Hoping to spark a surge that ends with a playoff berth, Panthers general manager Rick Dudley made his second coaching change of the season Monday. This time Dudley's out, and assistant John Torchetti is in.
Dudley, who took over as coach when he fired Mike Keenan Nov. 9, gave up the job to focus on his GM duties. Torchetti, a former associate with the Lightning, will make his debut tonight at home against Montreal.
The Panthers (18-23-11-3) are nine points behind the final playoff spot in the East, but they have a favorable schedule down the stretch.
"We think we're a good enough team to take a run at a playoff spot," said Dudley, a former GM with the Lightning. "We're playing reasonably well. We can ratchet that up a little bit. Maybe this is a little jolt."
Torchetti becomes the fifth coach since 2000. He may return next season if the team plays well in its final 27, Dudley said.
"It's a great opportunity for me," Torchetti said. "I don't want to let anyone down. I just want to work hard with this team and get it better."
At 38, Torchetti becomes the league's third-youngest coach.
"John has a chance to be very special as a coach," Dudley said. "This is his opportunity."
FLYERS: Philadelphia acquired three-time All-Star goalie Sean Burke and two forwards from Phoenix for promising young center Mike Comrie. The deal capped a busy day for GM Bobby Clarke, who also traded defenseman Eric Weinrich to St. Louis for a draft pick.
In addition to Burke, the Flyers acquired right wing Branko Radivojevic and the rights to left wing Ben Eager, an unsigned minor leaguer. The Flyers were anxious to land Burke because they were down to rookie Antero Niittymaki in goal.
Jeff Hackett retired Monday because of vertigo, and Robert Esche, once Burke's backup in Phoenix, is sidelined by a sprained knee. "We obviously needed a goaltender," Clarke said. "We wanted to make sure we got somebody who fits in."
KINGS: Coach Andy Murray received a multiyear contract extension. Murray, 52, has guided Los Angeles to three playoff appearances and three 90-plus point seasons since 1999.
