Panthers officially name GM Rowe interim head coach
If you want something done right, do it yourself.
That appears to be the sentiment felt by Florida Panthers general manager Tom Rowe, who was officially named the club's interim head coach on Monday.
"My focus is solely on turning our season around, fixing our special teams, and securing a playoff berth," Rowe said.
The move comes after former head coach Gerard Gallant was fired on Sunday, following the Panthers' 3-2 loss to Carolina. Florida also cut ties with assistant coach Mike Kelly.
"In seeking to earn a second consecutive playoff berth and bring a Stanley Cup to South Florida, we believe that new leadership is required immediately," Panthers owner Vincent J. Viola said in a release.
FLA players have scheduled day off today in CHI. Play CHI tomorrow. Interim HC Rowe will use today to meet and regroup with coaching staff.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) November 28, 2016
Talks of a full-time replacement for Gallant are likely to be put on hold, as Rowe is expected to remain interim head coach through the remainder of the 2016-17 season, according to TSN's Bob McKenzie.
He previously served as coach of Florida's American Hockey League affiliates - the Portland Pirates and San Antonio Rampage - from 2013-16.
The Panthers currently sit two points out of the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.