Recently fired Flyers coach John Stevens had only positive things to say about his former team Monday when he spoke publicly for the first time since he was fired last week.

Stevens was let go by general manager Paul Holmgren and replaced by Peter Laviolette. The Flyers had lost six of their last seven games - the last two by shutout - when Holmgren decided a change was needed. Holmgren indicated he will offer Stevens another position in the organization.

"Your emotions are disappointment; it's more about letting people down," Stevens said. "You go through a process like this, the team not meeting expectations, you feel responsible."

•Darren McCarty, 37, a veteran of 15 seasons who won four Stanley Cups with the Red Wings, has officially announced his retirement. . . . Penguins captain Sidney Crosby returned to the lineup, after missing one game with a sore groin, after taking part in the team's morning skate. . . . The Stars put Karlis Skrastins on injured reserve after the laceration on the defenseman's right index finger hadn't healed in time for him to play Tuesday at Anaheim.

Tribune news services