The Golden Knights fired coach Pete DeBoer on Monday after missing the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.

DeBoer, the franchise’s second coach, went 98-50-12 after being hired Jan. 15, 2020. His .650 points percentage was better than predecessor Gerard Gallant’s .601. DeBoer led the Knights to the NHL semifinals in 2020 and 2021, but injuries, poor play and inconsistency in net kept the club out of the postseason for the first time in five years.

DeBoer, one of 28 coaches in league history with 500 wins and one of 31 with 1,000 games, paid for the disappointing year with his job. The 53-year-old had one year left on his contract and said Tuesday he hoped to return. He knew it wasn’t a sure thing, however, and accepted blame when the Knights were eliminated from playoff contention April 27.

“I’m at the front of the line for responsibility,” DeBoer said. “There’s a lot of expectations on this team. It’s not an easy thing and it doesn’t feel good for anybody right now.”

DeBoer was hired the same day Gallant was fired. There was some initial awkwardness because DeBoer coached the San Jose Sharks against the Knights in the playoffs the previous two seasons. The Knights won in 2018, but lost in 2019 after a controversial major penalty was called on center Cody Eakin in Game 7.