Calgary Flames fire Sutter

Brent Sutter (standing at right) is out as coach of the Calgary Flames, who failed to make the playoffs in his three seasons with the team. The decision came Thursday after a meeting between general manager Jay Feaster and Sutter, whose contract was to expire at the end of June. “Brent and I explored many options and ultimately determined that it is best to proceed in different directions,” Feaster said. “Brent is a great person and an excellent hockey coach.” Calgary also announced that the contract of assistant coach Dave Lowry will not be renewed. The Flames narrowly missed the postseason in all three years under Sutter, compiling a 118-90-38 record overall. Calgary went 37-29-16 this season, second to Vancouver in the Northwest Division. – AP