PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Penguins today fired general manager Ray Shero while the status of coach Dan Bylsma will be evaluated.

Team co-owners Mario Lemieux and Ron Burkle said late this morning it was time to take the franchise in a new direction after the team’s latest playoff flameout.

Assistant general manager Jason Botterill will serve as general manager on an interim basis while the team searches for Shero’s replacement.

The Penguins rolled to the Metropolitan Division title this season but failed yet again to produce another championship. It won the title in 2009 with stars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.

Pittsburgh is just 4-5 in playoff series since raising the Stanley Cup, including a loss to the New York Rangers in the second round this week.