Stars Fire Hitchcock

NHL teams

In addition, general manager Bob Gainey was reassigned to a role as consultant with assistant Doug Armstrong taking his place.

"It isn't something that arrived in a flash," Gainey said during a news conference. "It has been the ongoing sputtering and stalling of our team."

Hitchcock was at the Stars' helm for six seasons guiding the team to its first Stanley Cup title in 1999 and five straight division titles.

He was 277-160-60-6 since taking over with 43 games left in the 1995-1996 season. Hitchcock's postseason record is 80-47-33.

The moves came two days after Hitchcock and Mike Modano had an intense conversation about the star player's frustration. The Stars, who have lost two straight, are seventh in the Western Conference.

"You got to want it, and collectively we don't," team captain Derian Hatcher said.

"Everybody connected to the group has some responsibility," Gainey said Friday. "Ken is paying a price today."