Denis Savard is no longer Coach of Chicago Blackhawks

"This was an extremely hard day for this organization and for me personally...We made a tough decision that we strongly feel is the right one as we continue to evaluate our team and create a championship caliber organization that can sustain success," Blackhawks' general manager Dale Tallon said according to a statement from the team.

The firing came one day after the Blackhawks won their first game of the season, 4-1 versus the Phoenix Coyotes.

Savard a former player, became coach in November 2006. Last season, he brought the Blackhawks to their first 40-win season since the 2001-2002 season.

The team went 40-34-8 this year but couldn't make it to the playoffs. Quenneville has a record of 483-283-118 in 11 seasons as a coach. He has coached , the St. Louis Blues and Colorado Avalanche.