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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Newsmakers

Fired, hired The last-place Carolina Hurricanes fired coach Paul Maurice for the second time in less than a decade Monday and replaced him with former All-Star Kirk Muller. Muller begins his first NHL head coaching job with a slumping team that has made one playoff appearance since 2006 and has lost 10 of 13 games. He was in his first season coaching the Nashville Predators’ AHL affiliate in Milwaukee after spending five seasons on the Montreal Canadiens’ staff. He played 19 seasons in the NHL, made six All-Star teams and led the Canadiens to their last Stanley Cup.

• Washington Capitals general manager George McPhee says he fired Bruce Boudreau because “players were no longer responding” to the coach. McPhee replaced Boudreau with former Capitals captain Dale Hunter. The 51-year-old Hunter played 19 seasons in the NHL and is one of four players to have his number retired by the Capitals.

Suspended Montreal Canadiens forward Max Pacioretty has been suspended three games by the NHL for a hit to the head of Pittsburgh defenseman Kris Letang.

Seized Federal agents seized more than $184,000 from bank accounts associated with a former Montana Grizzlies quarterback, Jason Washington, 28, and his medical marijuana and automotive detailing businesses, according to inventories filed in U.S. District Court in Missoula. No charges have been filed. Washington started five games for the Grizzlies in 2005 before being injured. He was kicked off the team in 2007 for undisclosed reasons.

Split After four years of marriage, Olympic gold medal skier Lindsey Vonn is splitting with Thomas Vonn, who also serves as her chief adviser and assists as a coach. She confirmed Sunday night the couple has started divorce proceedings. She added in her statement she will continue to be coached by the U.S. team.

Agreed Catcher Jose Molina and the Tampa Bay Rays have agreed to a $1.8 million, one-year contract. Molina gets a $1.5 million salary for next season and the Rays hold a $1.8 million option for 2013 with a $300,000 buyout. The 36-year-old hit a career-best .281 this year with three homers and 15 RBIs in 55 games.