Bruins fire general manager Mike O'Connell

The Boston Bruins fired general manager Mike O'Connell on Saturday, telling him he wouldn't be back next season so there was no point in finishing out this one.

Assistant general manager Jeff Gorton will assume the GM's duties for the rest of the season, team president Harry Sinden said before the Bruins' game against the Buffalo Sabres.

"When you think something has to be done ... you have to do it," Sinden said.

• Bruins fire general manager Mike O'Connell