The Maple Leafs fired coach Mike Babcock on Wednesday and replaced him with Sheldon Keefe.

Babcock had a record of 9-10-4 this season for the struggling Leafs, who are 0-5-1 in their last six games.

Hired in 2015, Babcock, 56, went 173-133-45 in his four-plus seasons. After signing the richest coaching contract in league history at $50 million over eight years, Babcock got the Leafs to the playoffs the last three seasons but was unable to advance.

Keefe, 39, was coach of the Leafs’ AHL affiliate.

Hathaway draws ban: Capitals forward Garnet Hathaway was suspended three games for spitting on an opponent.

Toward the end of a heated brawl between the Capitals and Ducks on Monday, Hathaway responded to a punch from Erik Gudbranson by spitting on him. Hathaway was ejected.

Hathaway said he regretted spitting on Gudbranson.

One-timers: Blues F Sammy Blais will undergo surgery on his right wrist and be out at least 10 weeks. ... Senators F Bobby Ryan will be away from the team indefinitely while taking part in the NHL/National Hockey League Players’ Association assistance program. ... Brady Tkachuk early in OT to lift the Senators over the host Canadiens 2-1. The Sens won for the fourth time in five games.