PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Flyers fired the coach of their AHL affiliate, the Adirondack Phantoms, and replaced him on an interim basis with assistant general manager John Paddock.

The Flyers fired Greg Gilbert after a 2-10-1 start to this season. He was in his second season.

Paddock, a former player and coach with the Maine Mariners, returns to the Phantoms after leading the team to a 43-30-2-5 record and a spot in the Calder Cup playoffs in the 2008-09 season, the team’s last in Philadelphia. He was promoted to his current position as assistant GM of the Flyers following that season.

Paddock has won five Calder Cups — two as a player and three as a coach. Paddock has also coached 346 NHL games for the Winnipeg Jets (1991-92 to 1994-95) and the Ottawa Senators (2007-08).

• The Flyers and forward Claude Giroux, 22, agreed to a multiyear contract extension.

 

THE HOCKEY HALL of Fame opened its doors to women for the first time on Monday.

Angela James of Canada and Cammi Granato of the United States received their Hall of Fame rings.

They were inducted with former NHL star Dino Ciccarelli, builder Jim Devellano and the late Daryl “Doc” Seaman, one of the founders of the Calgary Flames.

The Hall of Fame established separate induction criteria for women this year, paving the way for James and Granato.

“I think it’s a historic night and I think it’s great for hockey at all levels,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said. “Both Angela and Cammi are inspirational, they’re pioneers once again. What they’ve done in the game to this point has been terrific and I think they’re great role models for other girls and women looking to devote themselves to this game.”

 

SABRES: Goalie Ryan Miller returned to practice after spending the weekend resting a sore leg muscle, but Coach Lindy Ruff ruled him out from playing at New Jersey on Wednesday.

 

KINGS: Los Angeles will be without defenseman Willie Mitchell and left wing Alexei Ponikarovsky for at least a month because of injuries, dealing a significant blow to the Western Conference leaders’ veteran depth.

Mitchell will be out 4 to 6 weeks with a broken left wrist, while Ponikarovsky will miss at least four weeks with a broken finger. Neither player will need surgery.

 

GM MEETINGS: A review of head hits and a discussion about the merits of a coach’s challenge will be on the table when the NHL’s general managers have their fall meeting today.

Florida Panthers GM Dale Tallon is introducing the idea of allowing coaches to issue a challenge on plays that result in a goal. His team lost a game in Toronto earlier this season when Colton Orr ran over goalie Scott Clemmensen and wasn’t called for goaltender interference.

MONDAY’S GAME

RED WINGS 3, COYOTES 2: Henrik Zetterberg scored 1:23 into overtime, lifting Detroit to a win over visiting Phoenix.

Dan Cleary and Nicklas Lidstrom also scored for Detroit. Jimmy Howard made 29 saves.

Martin Hanzal and Keith Yandle had Phoenix’s goals. Ilya Byzgalov stopped 37 shots.

 

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