Tampa Bay Lightning fire Guy Boucher

Coach Guy Boucher has been fired by Tampa Bay Lightning after the team dropped to bottom place in the Eastern Conference.

Boucher leaves Lightning, who have now lost six of their past 10 games, following three years in charge.

"Guy has poured his heart and soul into the Lightning organisation for these past three years and we appreciate all the work he has done," said team general manager Steve Yzerman.

"But ultimately I am not satisfied with the direction we are heading and I believe making a change today is in the best interest of our franchise."

Assistant coaches Martin Raymond and Dan Lacroix have been placed in charge on a temporary basis.