Cheevers Ousted as Bruin Coach

Gerry Cheevers was removed as coach of the slumping Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League Wednesday and replaced by General Manager Harry Sinden.

“It appeared to us that something of a stagnation had set in around the Bruins, and Gerry and I agreed last night,” Sinden told a news conference in Los Angeles, where the Bruins play the Kings tonight. “I asked him to step down.”

Sinden takes over as the Bruin coach for the third time in 19 years. But he said he expects it will be only for the remainder of this season.

Cheevers, 43, a former Bruin goalie, compiled a 204-126-46 coaching record with Boston since the 1980-81 season. This season, the Bruins are 25-24-7.

Also leaving the team is assistant coach Gary Doak. He was asked to remain, but Sinden said, “Gerry brought him into the job, and (Doak) felt if Gerry is going, he would go, too.”