Penguins fire Burke, Hextall after missing playoffs for 1st time since 2006

After missing the playoffs for the first time in 17 years, the Pittsburgh Penguins are shaking up the team's front office.

The Penguins announced on Friday that president of hockey operations Brian Burke, general manager Ron Hextall, and assistant general manager Chris Pryor have all been dismissed.

Fenway Sports Group's John Henry and Tom Werner issued a statement about the changes, saying they are grateful for the trio's contributions but that "we feel that the team will benefit from new hockey operations leadership.

"While this season has been disappointing, we believe in our core group of players and the goal of contending for the Stanley Cup has not changed."

While the search for new candidates begins, the Penguins say that managerial duties of hockey operations will be shared among the current director of hockey operations, Alec Schall, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton GM and manager of hockey operations, Erik Heasley, and hockey operations analyst,Andy Saucier.

Head coach Mike Sullivan will remian in his role and assist during the transition.